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Your first post grad job is something you’re supposed to look forward to, but it can be a little nerve wrecking as well. You want to make a great first impression, to prove you can put those years of studying and classroom theory to practical use. But in the end, we all start at the bottom of the employment totem pole. So how do you make the most of that initial experience to get ahead? jobpostings career expert Sue Ross shares some tips on how to make the most of your first job, even if it's not exactly what you may have expected.
 

Approaching the first job
Consider all jobs as opportunities. "If it isn't your dream job, but the position you seek exists within the company, create a reputation for excellent work in your current role, so if the dream job becomes available you’re an eligible candidate," says Ross. Make sure you know people in that department, and ask what they require for the job to mold yourself into the ideal candidate.
"If the company isn't where you want to be,” notes Ross, “then get as much as you can from them. If they offer training take it. If they don't have upward mobility, do your best where you are. Positions may come up. Use great work, and the relationships you develop, to help when you need references down the road."
 

“I want more responsibility!”
Volunteer for more. Ask for more. Speak to your supervisor about the process, but remember the easiest way to get more responsibility (and do more of the work you enjoy) is to excel at your current role so you’re prepared for a promotion if the opportunity arises.
 

Search for a mentor
"(Mentors) can provide you with perspective on your job, company, or career that you may not get from your supervisors," says Ross. She warns that although supervisors can be a good source of guidance, they can sometimes be clouded by their own agenda. "If you’re a great employee who would be hard to replace, some supervisors may not encourage you in the same way as a mentor would to go for the promotion," she adds. "Remember: people are generally good, but not all people have your best interest at heart. Mentors can help to clear away the clouds of a hidden agenda."
 

Organizational structure and culture
"When I speak to employers, FIT within the company is sometimes the most important quality they look for, even above experience or specific qualifications," reveals Ross. "’Can they survive and thrive within the company?’ This does not just mean ‘Can they do the job?’ It also encompasses, ‘Can they work within our team? Can they deal with the level of stress involved in the position? Will they speak candidly about their opinion? Will they enjoy the job? Will they be challenged in the role?’ The list could be endless depending on the company." So do take the time to learn about the company culture, before you apply to it to ensure you and the employer are a good fit for one another.
 

Developing interpersonal skills
According to Ross, there are three basic skills you should always improve upon:

• TIME MANAGEMENT: “Regardless of the job, figure out how to be as productive as possible. It will help you manage the balance between work and life.”
• PEOPLE SKILLS: “After visiting an employer, I was told that some new hires forget that general courtesy is necessary. I’m not just speaking about being nice versus nasty, but saying good morning to your team mates, thanking the payroll person, and asking about their weekend. You don't need to go into a full ten minutes of time wasting conversation. Just speak to people the way you speak to your grandmother.”
• NETWORKING: “You never know who you’ll meet and how this relationship may be of help to you in the future.”

Feedback and evaluations
When you start with a company ask about the goals or expectations they may have for you. Also ask if you will have evaluations. In these cases, you never know until you ask. Most organizations may have written evaluations, while others will sit down and chat with you only if they have a problem. It always pays to know their strategy.