Q: I have recently been successful as a receptionist with a small engineering company and they said that they will give me a trial period. Any tips on getting through this? This is my first real job. (CG, Email).

A: The first job for anyone is daunting, writes Liam Horan, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers. Your initial few months are a testing period for you and your new manager, so it is important to make a good impact.

Being professional at all times works in all environments and it shows you in a positive light.

Respect for your direct line manager is absolutely vital. Learn the best way to communicate with your manager.

Do they prefer to have a detailed phone message or not to be disturbed at certain times of the day? What are their most important priorities? Take time to decide what works best with your new manager.

By investing in this ‘research’ you will make an excellent first impression and will this will accelerate your learning curve in the company.

Finally, find out the most effective ways that you can contribute value to the company. Go beyond the main day-to-day duties of your job. If you are told to answer phones and do some simple typing of reports, offer to take on extra work. If there is extra filing to be completed in a specific area, take this on.

Finally, find out about the dress code in the company and comply with this. Give yourself extra time to get to work in your first few weeks. Arriving late to work is one of the cardinal sins when starting in a new job.

Liam Horan is a Career Coach with Sli Nua Careers in Ballinrobe.

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