We’re not going to lie: Starting your first job is like nothing else you’ll ever experience.
Even if you held down a full-time internship in college, there’s something about being at that office every day—and knowing you’ll be there for the long haul—that’s a bit different. And a bit more challenging.
So, before you start that great new gig, we’ve prepared a crash course for you: everything you need to know about making a great impression on your co-workers, making friends at the office, and making sure your boss is happy.
Browse through these 10 reads, and you’ll be fully prepared for your first week (even year) on the job.
1. 5 Job Skills You Didn’t Learn in College
You’ve completed the coursework and earned your diploma—but are you really ready for the real world? Here’s a quick guide to the skills that professors can’t teach you and how to learn them before you start your new gig.
2. Secrets for Building a Work Wardrobe From Scratch
Building a work wardrobe from scratch isn’t easy, and it isn’t cheap. But if you know what you’re looking for and stick to a budget, you can have a closet full of office attire (a different outfit for every day of the month!) without breaking the bank.
3. How to Make a Great Impression on Your First Day
There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than a job interview—until, of course, you’re headed to your first day of work. Not to worry: We’ve got your guide to making a great first impression.
4. Thrown Into the Deep End? How to Survive Sink-or-Swim Training
When you’re starting a new job, you don’t always get the ample training and step-by-step manual you might hope for. So, how can you survive—and more importantly, succeed—without getting overwhelmed? We’ll show you how.
5. 4 Ways to Make Friends at Your New Office
Starting a new job can be great, but being the new guy or gal at work can also be lonely. Whether you find yourself in an office where everyone’s been friends forever or you’re just a little shy, follow these easy steps to break the ice with your new co-workers.
6. 3 Things You Think Your Boss Wants (But Doesn’t)
Think you’re killing it at work? Turns out, some of the “great” things you’re doing might actually be hindering your performance—and your boss’s opinion of you. Consider these three common things employees mistakenly think their bosses want.
7. The 7 People You Should Befriend at Work
From the Snack Guy to the Office Older Sibling—your work life will be much, much easier with these officemates on your side.
8. 4 Ways to Go Above and Beyond at Your Job
When you’re trying to prove your worth at work, there’s a fine line between making a genuine impact on your team and being that annoying co-worker who just wants to show off. Rise above the ranks most effectively with these four ways to go above and beyond.
9. Taking Constructive Criticism Like a Champ
Getting less-than-positive feedback isn’t ever going to be easy—but it’s always going to be important. To prepare yourself to receive constructive criticism from your manager, use this six-step process to handle the encounter with tact.
10. 4 To-Dos for Your First Year on the Job
Striving toward these four goals in your first year on the job will impress your boss and go a long way to set you up for long-term success. And guess what? They’re not about just doing your job.