How to keep the job once you have it

Congratulations on being successful at the interview! The following tips should help you to avoid the common pitfalls associated with transitioning into the big wide world of working.

Be proud and congratulate yourself: Celebrate getting the job, but not the night before you start or every night thereafter!

Don't be late: Know the location of where you are going, how to get there and how long it will take before the first day. Allow a little extra time for an unexpected situation e.g. traffic flow, train lateness. Have the phone number of the employer with you so you can let them know if there is an unexpected delay.

Dress the part - first impressions matter: You may need to find out the sort of 'dress code' by asking around and observing people in that environment. The interview will give you some clues as to how people dress. If you don't know, dress up rather than down.

Get to know the organisation: Note any induction/mentor programs in which you'll be guided with the basics of getting started. If you know anyone in the organisation or there is a mentor or 'buddy' system, talk to that person and other people in the organisation. If all else fails, go through the website and try to get a good idea of the organisational structure, general policies on leave and public holidays, and anything else that you may need to know.

Ask questions about how the place works: If it also helps you, take notes. It is fine to ask questions about the role and expectations. It's better to get things clear than make assumptions and get it wrong. No one minds, when you are new, being asked these questions and it shows you are respectful of people and practices.

Manage your work/life balance: Take care of your health. Make sure you get plenty of rest and exercise to keep you in good health and alert to meet the many challenges work and life will present.

Note the lunch room etiquette: Do people have their own cup, how does it get cleaned, what about coffee, milk and so on?

Don't be afraid to speak up; remember, you're the new person: If you misunderstand something or make a mistake, admit it and learn from it. Apologise.

Always be respectful: Check your understanding of what the other person is saying before you challenge or disagree.

Become a good observer: Take your time and notice what is going on around you, who does what. Learn about the organisational structure.

Seek out opportunities: Identify opportunities for learning and for professional and personal development to help you fit in and adapt to your role successfully. You will need to engage in ongoing learning throughout your life so it's best to get into the habit early on.

Become a part of the team: Join in where possible on projects that seem in your area, volunteer for tasks that seem within your capability. This shows commitment and ability to take initiative which is part of professional behaviour. However, don't be over enthusiastic and sign up for everything.

Don't over think it!: Starting as a professional is another big stage in your life .Don't blow it out of perspective and get yourself worked up and anxious to the point you can't do the job or have to struggle to keep up.

Good luck and enjoy the journey. Chances are there will be many new experiences in the years ahead.