While first-rate organisational and communication skills are essential for the business workplace, we know from our relationships with London recruiters that there are other skills you can demonstrate to stand out as a young graduate entering employment.
Set yourself apart from your co-workers and fast-track your career by impressing your employer with these tips for early employment success….
Challenge yourself to think commercially and make decisions that benefit the organisation first.
If you make decisions which benefit the organisation before your personal agenda, success will follow. Management will recognise this, particularly if you communicate the reasons behind your decisions.
Take (calculated) risks to succeed.
It is important to take on projects and roles that are challenging but which will also allow you to learn and develop. Many people fear doing this in case they fail, but in the long term it will work in your favour. Ask your line manager to support you when you take on new responsibilities and tasks if you need to.
Put your hand up for other projects.
Communicate your interests in other areas, and if there are opportunities to become involved in other projects, make yourself known! Management will recognise your enthusiasm and willingness to get involved with the business.
Work on strengthening your professional network.
Focus on building strong relationships with people within your organisation and with those in your industry or profession. It can help your career and support network in many ways. Most importantly, it will build your professional profile and allow you to complete projects more efficiently and successfully.
We recommend all young professionals understand how to use LinkedIn to help build their networks and develop external relationships, and we teach this within the Digital Marketing module.
Don’t forget to sing your own praises.
Don’t be shy in letting relevant colleagues and managers know about what you have achieved. Be mindful about how you do this though! Shouting it from the rooftops across the office won’t impress your colleagues, but sharing it on a one to one level with your boss might work well. Think about it as a way of sharing best practice so that others can take your lead.
Finally, make sure you dress for success.
You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to make changes to your appearance. The idea is to dress so that you appear professional and can take on a more responsible role within the organisation if needed.
You can always ask questions about dress code at interview stage or within the first few days of starting a role, but if you aren’t sure, always go with a professional outfit!
Our Professional Business Diploma students study Personal Development Planning through the one-year intensive course, which has a core focus on soft skill development. If you’d like to know more about the Professional Business Diploma curriculum then please contact our Director Of Admissions here.