Introduction

The professional world can be intimidating, especially for new graduates who are embarking on their career journey. However, by mastering certain practices, you can become work-ready and excel in your job. In this blog post, we will discuss three essential practices that can help you stand out in the job market: taking initiatives, managing expectations, and receiving and giving feedback. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of how these practices can benefit your career and help you succeed in your professional life.

Taking initiative

Taking initiative as a new employee means being proactive and taking ownership of your work. It involves going beyond your job description and seeking opportunities to contribute to the organisation's success. When you take the initiative, you show your employer that you are eager to learn and grow in your role, which can set you apart from your peers.

As a new employee, you may not be familiar with all aspects of your job, the company culture, or the industry. However, you can still take the initiative by:

• Asking questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something. This shows that you are willing to learn and are interested in doing your job well.

• Taking on additional tasks: If you finish your work early, ask your manager if there is anything else you can do to help. This shows that you are willing to go above and beyond your job description.

• Offering new ideas: If you have an idea on how to improve a process or increase efficiency, share it with your manager. This shows that you are thinking about the company's success and are willing to contribute to it.

• Seeking out learning opportunities: Take advantage of any training or development opportunities offered by the company. This shows that you are committed to improving your skills and advancing your career.

When you take the initiative, you demonstrate to your employer that you are a self-starter who can be relied upon to get things done. This can lead to more opportunities, such as being selected for special projects or being promoted to a higher position.

Managing Expectations

Managing expectations is an important aspect of every job for new graduates entering the workforce. It means understanding what is expected of you and communicating your own expectations to your employer. By managing expectations, you can ensure that you not only deliver quality work and meet your employer's expectations, but also  avoid misunderstandings. This can lead to a positive working relationship with your customers, manager and colleagues and create a very cohesive and harmonious work environment.

“How can you manage expectations effectively?”, you may ask.

• Ask questions: If you are unsure about what is expected of you, ask your manager or colleagues for clarification. This shows that you are interested in doing your job well and are willing to learn.

• Set realistic goals and deadlines: When you are given a task, set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself. This will help you manage your time effectively and ensure that you meet your employer's and customer’s expectations.

• Prioritise tasks: If you are given multiple tasks, prioritise them based on their importance and deadline. This will help you manage your workload and ensure that you deliver quality work.

• Communicate any issues or concerns: If you are having trouble meeting your employer's expectations or if you have any concerns about your work, communicate them to your manager. This shows that you are proactive and are willing to work collaboratively to find solutions.

Receiving and Giving Feedback

Feedback is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth, as it helps individuals identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Receiving and giving feedback is an art that requires skill and sensitivity. When done correctly, feedback can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development.

Receiving feedback can be challenging, especially if the feedback is critical or negative. However, it is essential to approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn. To receive feedback effectively, it is important to listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and avoid becoming defensive. It is also important to take the feedback in stride and not take it personally. Instead, use it as an opportunity to improve and grow.

On the other hand, giving feedback can be just as challenging. When giving feedback, it is important to be specific, objective, and constructive. Avoid making personal attacks or criticisms and focus on the behaviour or performance that needs improvement. Additionally, it is important to be timely, so that the feedback is relevant and actionable. Remember, the goal of feedback is to help the individual grow and improve, so be sure to provide actionable suggestions for improvement.

In a nutshell, managing expectations, giving, and receiving feedback, and taking initiative are three skills that are critical to personal and professional growth. By setting realistic expectations, seeking, and giving feedback, and taking proactive steps towards achieving our goals, we can enhance our communication skills, build stronger relationships, and achieve greater success in all aspects of our lives. While these skills may seem daunting at first, they are ultimately about being honest with ourselves and others, staying motivated, and continuously learning and growing.

Next Steps

Check out our affordable Advanced Employability Course to help you be ready for your next workplace.