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Recommended reading: When Reality Hits
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The transition between college and the “real world” can be daunting, mostly because recent graduates don’t know what to expect. There is, after all, a huge difference between life on campus and the grind of the workplace.
In a recent interview with Nancy Barry, author of “When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent College Graduates to Know,” she shared five things managers want you to know and don't have time to tell you.
1. Communication is key to your success. Excellent communication skills are some of the most valued assets in the workplace and are critical to your success. You might be the smartest person in the room, but if you can’t communicate, you’ll be at a disadvantage. No matter what position you hold, you’re going to spend the rest of your life communicating. Your ability to speak, write and listen on a professional level will help you gain greater recognition and give you the power you need to succeed.
2. Avoid doing things that will drive your boss crazy. Your number-one goal should be to make your boss look good and make his or her life easier. Every manager has a list of pet peeves. You should avoid doing anything you know is going to drive your boss nuts. Here’s a short list of things that will drive your boss crazy: not arriving to work on time, not taking notes in meetings and constant interruptions.
3. Become a "go to" person. If you want to stand out above the crowd, and be loved by every manager you work with, become a “go to” person. That’s someone who is known for having a positive attitude, meeting deadlines and always following through on commitments. The more you do, the more you’ll get to do. You’ll also get exposure at a level in the company you may not have had before.
4. Like it or not, your appearance matters. Your professional image influences the way others respond to you. You want to project an image that will impress your clients, your employer, and your co-workers. Don’t just do it for them, do it for you. The main thing to remember is to not wear anything that’s distracting, which includes clothes that are too tight, too wrinkled, too short or too revealing. You want people to focus on you, not your clothes, shoes, fingernails, jewelry, tattoos or body piercings.
5. Never think you are too good to do anything. Along the way, you will be asked to do something and you may think, “You want me to do what?!” A lot of college graduates are under the impression that after they earn their degree, they are entitled to no longer have to get their hands dirty. They act as if they are too good to do certain things. There are a lot of employers who expect you to have an “entitlement attitude.” Surprise them by not having one. Your strong work ethic will separate you from the rest of the pack.
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