Press Release - Expert Advice for Lee McQueen and others Starting a New Job
As Lee McQueen (winner of The Apprentice) starts his first day in his new job work, Amanda Lacey, Director of Fuse Jobs appeared on BBC's Working Lunch to offer her advice.
Amanda stressed that there were some important differences between the Apprentice and starting a job in the real world. These included:
- Don't lie on your CV - the real world isn't like The Apprentice, you will get found out! Having said that, make sure you do give the most positive spin on the truth that you can!
- Success in your new job is a partnership between you and your employer. They need to create an atmosphere where it's possible for you to use your skills and realise your potential, but the responsibility is on you to rise to the challenge and show them what you can do. (Employers should check their responsibilities by going to www.businesslink.gov.uk/employingpeople for authoritative advice and guidance on the legal aspects of hiring and firing people and tips on how to make it a success - don't try it Sir Alan Sugar style or you will find yourself in court!).
- The Apprentice sets real-life tasks to test people. You probably won't be, so your first few weeks on the job are your real-life task: make sure you prove yourself early on. If can't find your perfect job, work experience is the best real-life task.
- Don't be scared of your boss - most bosses aren't as aggressive as Sir Alan Sugar and remember, they've just hired you, they want you to be a success too!
Amanda says "At Fuse Jobs we understand how hard it is to find and succeed in a job. That's why our site includes specialist advice for first-time jobseekers, returners to work and career changers on everything from how to identify your own skills, what jobs to apply for, CV writing, and being successful in your new job."
Amanda's top tips for the first day:
- Arrive on time - take no chances
- First impressions count, be courteous to everyone, be positive, smile and introduce yourself
- Find out your key objectives, the timescales and the way they will be measured
- Write down names and job roles (you won't remember them)
- Don't be threatened by others knowledge - take advantage of it if they can help you
- Keep eyes and ears open. Find out things like preferred communication styles, how formal the structure is and how your role relates to others. Listen to everything and comment on very little
- Stay clear of office politics.
- Show willing - volunteer for things
- Find out what the boundaries are and don't challenge them
- Don't make personal calls and make sure your mobile phone doesn't disturb your first day
- Don't talk your last company or boss down, it will simply make them believe that one day you'll do the same to them
- Even if things go really well don't be over confident, find your feet first
The whole program can be seen online on BBC's iPlayer at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b00c18t5.shtml?q=%22Working+Lunch%22&start=1&scope=iplayersearch&version_pid=b00c18sn
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Notes to Editors
Fuse Jobs (www.FuseJobs.co.uk) is London's only entry-level jobsite - specifically for those looking for their first job, who have had a break in their career or are looking to change career. Visit the site for over 25,000 vacancies and online careers advice and support. For interviews, information and access to high resolution images, please contact: amanda@fusejobs.co.uk
Amanda Lacey has over fifteen years experience working with employed and unemployed jobseekers from all walks of life, helping them to find and keep their ideal jobs.
