Are you starting your first post-graduation job? Manage your expectations and make sure that you’re ready to adapt to reality. Make the right first impression and handle every situation with confidence, resilience and professionalism. Put the right foot forward and find workplace success.

1. don’t be a
jerk at
workHow to be a successful new
guy or gal at your workplace

2. congratulations!
You’ve completed some or all of
your university studies and you’re
ready to change the face of your
chosen career field for the better.
However, before you start your
first job in your new profession, we
want you to STOP, breathe and take
a moment to look at some of the
realities of the workplace so you
can be a star, not a jerk, at work.

3. expectation:
my ideas will
change the
company.As a fresh-faced new addition to the team, you’re sure people will
ask for your opinions, ideas and input. After all, you’ve just upskilled
to have the most up-to-date information, techniques and strategies.
In fact, now you’re in the workforce you can finally share your
insights on how not only the industry can be improved, but also how
the business you’re working for can improve, streamline and change.

4. reality check!
you don’t know
enough to make
suggestions yet.When you start a new job you should take the time to find your place in the hierarchy. You also need
to learn about and understand the company’s policies, procedures and committee structures, as well
as their goals and values.
By putting forward an idea (no matter how great) at the wrong time or place you may risk looking
more than a little silly. It may also reflect badly on your team and supervisor so take your time to find
your feet.

5. tips to avoid
being a jerk
at work.• Take your time to figure out, and get comfortable in, your new position.
• Ask questions about past and present processes.
• Put forward ideas with a well-thought out proposal and use language from your new workplace.
• Discuss your thoughts with your supervisor before putting them forward in large meetings.
• Don’t forget that learning is a continual journey
tips

6. expectation:
uni taught me
everything i
need to know.Once you’ve graduated you probably can’t wait to use your new skills and knowledge in the
workplace.
You’re confident that no matter what your new boss asks you to do, you’ll do it perfectly and in
record-breaking time.

7. reality check!
you don’t know
everything.In fact, as a new employee you know very little about the inner
workings of the company, the leadership style of your supervisor and
the day-to-day tasks of your role.
University gave you a well-rounded overview. Now it’s your job to
take the information you learned, apply what’s relevant to your role
and build on that knowledge with new, company-specific skills.

8. tips to avoid
being a jerk
at work.• Ask questions so you can successfully complete the different aspects of your role. However, rather
than asking lots of single questions throughout the day, write a list of questions you want to ask and
schedule a time with your supervisor or a colleague to discuss them all at once.
• Talk to people from different departments to learn more about the wider company.
• Don’t assume you know how to do everything.
• Be sure not to overcommit yourself or promise unrealistic timeframes.
• Remember, being realistic means you can be a star, not a jerk, at work.

9. expectation:
people will walk
me through
things.You might think that because you are a new member of staff, the
company will assign someone to show you anything and everything
you need to know.
If you forget something, you expect someone will be around every
minute of the working day to take you through things again, and
again, if necessary.

10. reality check!
usually there will be an orientation during
the first few days of your job, but after that
it’s your responsibility
to be proactive about
your learning.
Supervisors, management and other staff will appreciate you speaking up to ask questions and clarify
expectations.
They will not appreciate having to constantly repeat themselves or show you things over and over
because you didn’t pay enough attention the first time.

11. tips to avoid
being a jerk
at work• When you’re being shown something new, take notes you can refer back to.
• Clarify expectations regarding tasks you’re given. For example, what is the time frame? Is there a
preferred format? Is there a template?
• Don’t assume you can wing it when you’re asked to do something you don’t know how to do.
• Ask if they want to see a draft idea or meet to discuss your progress before you finish the whole task.
• Show appreciation to the people helping you transition into the company, as they are probably
doing this in addition to their own work.
tips

12. expectation:
work is an 8-hour
shift, 5 days
a week.You know what work is going to be like: productive, 9am to 5pm
weekday shifts, where everyone completes their tasks on-time and
gets together for a daily lunch break to eat healthy food outside in
the fresh air.

13. reality check!
the world
of work is a
varied, ever-
changing entity.People now work in a range of spaces and places and via various technologies.
Depending on your work load, you may need to work outside of, or in addition to, the hours of
9am to 5pm. Sometimes that overtime is paid, sometimes it’s not. Then there are jobs that involve
extended or 24/7 operating hours.

14. In these roles, you may work non-
traditional times like 5pm to 9am, split
shifts, weekday or weekends hours.
As for taking a lunch break where
you eat healthy food outside, that will
require organisation and will power.
There will always be opportunities
to buy convenient, low-nutrient
food from places close to work, so
for the sake of your health and your
bank balance, get into the habit of
bringing your lunch from home.
You will also need to manage your
work load to ensure you can take a
lunch break (away from your desk)
each day.

15. tips to avoid
being a jerk
at work• Clarify the work load / time expectations of the job during your interview.
• Read your contract thoroughly to confirm overtime rates, time commitments etc…
• Bring a nutritious, filling lunch from home so you stay healthy and productive throughout the day.
• Don’t be a clock-watcher or ignore the fact that overtime may be a reality of your workplace.
remember, being realistic means you can be
a star, not a jerk, at work.

16. expectation:
work will
always be
exciting.We bet you can’t wait to start your new job.
After all, you’re going to be creating things, helping people and
changing the world every minute of the work day.
You know you will always have tasks to do and you’re probably
thinking getting jobs done while meeting targets and deadlines will
be easy – maybe even fun.

17. reality check!
yes, there will always be
things for you to do but
concentrating and
staying self-motivated
for eight hours a day
can be tough.
As a uni student you mostly concentrate in 1, 2 and sometimes 3-hour blocks of time.
Staying focused and motivated at a desk with only your computer and pen-holder for company, for 8
hours straight will take some practice.
The key thing to remember is, you are being paid to do a job and do it you must!

18. tips to avoid
being a jerk
at work• Take regular breaks looking away from your computer so your eyes don’t get tired.
• TIP: Trips to the bathroom, printer or kitchen to fill your water bottle are good break ideas.
• Schedule harder or larger tasks for the morning when you are well-rested and leave easier or quicker
tasks for later in the day.
• Research techniques to remain focused on tasks.
• Don’t waste your business time checking your personal social media accounts.
tips

19. depending on
your job, these
realities will of
course vary.Your new job is going to be challenging but it can also be lots of fun; you will meet new and
interesting people and you’re going to learn a lot.
The important thing to remember is to be smart about your expectations and to behave in a way that
will make you a star, not a jerk, at work.

20. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.5.6.A 11.2016 images © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au
if you want to discuss your
job or career expectations,
make an appointment with one
of USQ’s career development
practitioners at student services.
Online
usq.edu.au or visit the CareerHub
On-campus
Ipswich +61 7 3470 4400 studentservicesspringfield@usq.edu.au
Springfield +61 7 3470 4400 studentservicesspringfield@usq.edu.au
Toowoomba +61 7 4631 2372 stsv@usq.edu.au