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what would be one of the easiest tasks when going into your first job?

i’m going to my first job and i’m unsure of what to expect

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Maria Pilar’s Answer

Beginning your first job can be nerve-wracking, especially when you do not know what to expect. As many people already mentioned, it is important you go in with an open mind, and do not be hard on yourself (you aren't expected to know everything!). Try to find a mentor or a "buddy" that can help you with questions or at least can point you to the right person.

When I started my first corporate job, I was extremely anxious so, I decided to focus on the things I could actually control. These are some things that helped me prepare when I didn't know what to expect.

Maria Pilar recommends the following next steps:

Show up on time (or a few minutes early), and try to make a good first impression. Sometimes I would travel to the location a couple of days before just so I knew where to park, where to enter, etc.
Try to meet as many people as you can, connections and networking are important!
For your first day, I always recommend to never show up empty handed. Every time I started a new job (in person), I would try to bring in donuts, cookies, or bagels for my new team.
Ask questions!! And always be ready to learn.
Takes notes if you can. You will most likely receive A LOT of new information on your first few days, and it is almost impossible to remember it all. Having notes to look back at is always helpful!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Izzy
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Jorge’s Answer

When you begin a new job, it's simple and uplifting to introduce yourself to everyone and show respect. Make an effort to remember your colleagues' names, as you'll be collaborating with them for at least 20 hours each week.

There are several other aspects to keep in mind as you start your first job. Consider your commute to work, whether it's by foot, car, or bike. Familiarize yourself with the dress code, which could be casual, uniformed, or business attire. Be aware of the work environment, such as indoors or outdoors, and the nature of the job, like retail or office-based. Also, get to know your co-workers, including staff and management. Your expectations should align with your role, depending on the type of work.

If you've already filled out a job application, you may need to complete onboarding paperwork, typically within the first few weeks of employment. This paperwork may cover topics like compensation (receiving a physical paycheck or direct deposit), health and dental insurance (which you can skip if you're covered by your parents' plan), and retirement options (such as 401k, IRA, or another retirement fund). Remember, it's never too early to start saving for your future.

Jorge recommends the following next steps:

Communication will help in building great relationships.
Always be ready to learn from your experiences and from others.
Have empathy and compassion for your co-workers and the people you interact with daily.
Be patient and understanding when teaching others.
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Daniel’s Answer

It seems simple, but one of the most important things to do when starting a new role is to be reliable. This means consistently showing up on time, following through with tasks, and basically making sure people understand that you'll do what you say you will - you'd be amazed how many people can't find the time to actually show up.

No one expects you to be an expert early in your career, but you should show interest and engagement. This means asking questions, taking notes where needed, referencing things people have said or taught you, etc. Basically, pay attention and be eager to learn and things should come naturally.

Finally, don't be discouraged. You'll make mistakes - anyone that says they haven't screwed up, especially early in their career, is a liar. Don't let this sway you from what you want to do, and use each of these as a learning opportunity. Careers are long and will take you places you never expected, and very few mistakes will ever truly have a lasting impact. Your interests will change and you'll experience highs and lows that may influence how you feel about your path, so keep an open mind and don't be upset when things don't work out perfectly. I'm roughly halfway through my career and am still unsure what kinds of positions I might end up in.
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Milad’s Answer

Each new job, particularly your first, is an exhilarating adventure. Maintain an open mind, curious, and don't hesitate to ask questions to make sure you understand. Be gentle with yourself, permitting time to become acquainted with the fresh surroundings, coworkers, and procedures. View this as a chance for personal development rather and the start of a new adventure. Remember, everyone has experienced their first day at some point, and they can empathize with your situation.
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Whitney’s Answer

Hey there! Beginning a new job can feel like a lot, but remember, nobody expects you to know everything right away. Here are some friendly tips to help you out:
1. Ask questions - Keep a notebook handy to jot down any questions that come up during your day. This way, you'll remember them when you have a chance to talk with others from your company. It might be useful to sort your questions by who you think could best answer them (e.g., a team member, your boss, anyone in the company, HR, etc.)
2. Meet people - Schedule short 15-30 minute chats with your team members and boss to get your questions answered and start building connections. Don't forget to ask for suggestions on who else you should talk to based on your job tasks and interests!
3. Understand your responsibilities - Work on figuring out what you need to do daily, weekly, monthly, etc., and make to-do lists accordingly. Your boss and coworkers should be more than happy to help you with this.
4. Take it one day at a time - It's normal to feel overwhelmed in a new job, so just focus on what you can accomplish each day. Take it step by step, and you'll get the hang of things in no time!
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Silas’s Answer

Hello! First and foremost, kudos to you for embarking on your first job. When it comes to "simple" tasks, I believe getting acquainted and integrating into the company should be a breeze. Although orientation may be a laid-back experience, it can also feel a bit daunting. What truly matters, however, is embracing a mindset of growth and discovery. Be eager to learn, pose thoughtful inquiries, and don't hesitate to seek assistance if you're unsure about a procedure. As you progress in your career, you'll eventually realize that overcoming challenges is more gratifying than accomplishing "easy" tasks. With that in mind, have fun and relish the journey!
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Rose’s Answer

Hey Mo!
Embarking on a new job journey can feel daunting due to the uncertainty that comes with it. First and foremost, take a deep breath and unwind! You've already achieved the challenging part by securing the job. Now, it's your moment to shine and demonstrate to the company why you're the perfect fit. Remember, you're just starting out, and everyone knows that, so they won't expect you to have all the answers immediately.

The simplest approach is to actively listen and inquire! Make sure you pay close attention to every detail of your job responsibilities and ask questions to clarify your understanding. Once you've established open communication, connecting with your coworkers will enhance your knowledge and expand your possibilities!
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Kevin’s Answer

First off, congrats on your first job! I understand entering the workforce is intimidating, but slow down, take a breadth, and remember to be in the front door 15-30mins prior to expected arrival. Day one, focus on making "professional friends", and better understanding your bosses expectations, sounds simple, but breaking down transparency barriers can be difficult, always remember, trust is always going to drive your professional relationships.

Key Elements to Successful Week 1 - Meeting / Get to know people (i.e., trusted advisors, team members), ask a lot of questions (prepare a list before getting to the building), LISTEN & WRITE THINGS DOWN, and bring energy and excitement! Always remember this is your first role, it does not have to be your last, bring a growth mindset to everything you do.

You will never be able to achieve your version of success if you do not believe it is possible, but also know we are all human and all have our off days. As Ted Lasso once said, " Believe"

Stay positive and smile!

Good luck!
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Nicholas’s Answer

One thing I can highly recommend early in your career which will help you later: Organize your email inbox! Start creating folder structures soon so you can organize your emails and thus your thoughts. Trust me, doing this early will help out in the long run!

Ask questions of people like what they specifically do, how your role might interact with theirs, ask your boss(es) about what goals and expectations they have for you in your role, basically anything that puts you in communication with your teammates. Make sure you're not bothering them too much or interrupting a meeting of course!

Lastly, give yourself some credit and relax a bit. You got a job, that's a great accomplishment! It can be very easy to beat yourself up over every little mistake early in your career because you're used to performing at a high level and are worried you're letting people down. Your bosses should recognize your hard work and the struggles of early career stages, they've all been there before themselves! Just do your best, ask how you can improve, and actually apply that advice every day. You'll do great!
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Lakshmi’s Answer

Hey Mo! First off, Congratulations on taking the first step. While starting on a new job can feel overwhelming, but remember everyone is aware that you are a newbie, and nobody expects you to know things right away.
1. Listen - This is the key. Think of yourself as a sponge - ready to absorb. Take notes to help understand and remember things.
2. Ask Questions - Always raise a hand if you do not understand something and need clarity. Developing this skill will go a long way.
3. Network - Connect with your colleagues and talk to people. This will help you understand things better, broaden your horizon and you will develop valuable relations.
4. Review & Feedback cycle - Set regular check-ins with your mentor/manager/supervisor to gather their feedback. This will help manage expectations, understand responsibilities better and improve outcomes.
5. Relax and Enjoy - While it's easy to get caught up with the day-to-day, make sure to recognize yourself for showing up. Give yourself the credit and celebrate the small wins. There may be times where you make a mistake or miss a deadline, try to learn from them and keep moving.

Remember you are running a marathon and not a sprint race. Good Luck!
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Manuel’s Answer

Hello there!

Starting a new job always comes with a learning process. Some tasks might be simpler than others. If your new role is related to what you've studied, you might find it easier to adapt. Stay curious, put in the effort, be honest, and have fun with this new chance. If the job seems too easy, don't hesitate to take on more challenging tasks. A job that constantly lets you learn new things is much more fulfilling than one that keeps you in your comfort zone.
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Namgyun’s Answer

Hey Mo! They understand you're just beginning, so they won't expect too much from you. Don't stress about it! However, they do hope you'll integrate into the team quickly. So, explore how you can contribute and make a difference. Naturally, there's plenty to learn in your day-to-day work, and you might have numerous questions. Don't hesitate to be proactive and strive to learn even more than required.

Throughout my career, I've worked with many newcomers, and I've noticed that those who are proactive tend to have more successful careers.

Best of luck!
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Praveen’s Answer

When beginning your first job, you might come across various tasks. Although the term "easy" can differ based on individual abilities and preferences, here's a sample task that might be relatively simple for many individuals:

Administrative tasks: Numerous entry-level positions involve carrying out administrative duties. These tasks can consist of organizing files, entering data, handling emails, arranging appointments, or maintaining spreadsheets. They usually demand attention to detail, organization, and fundamental computer skills. Even though these tasks might not be especially difficult, they are vital for a workplace to run smoothly.

Here are several tips to excel in administrative tasks:

Be attentive to detail: Precision is vital in administrative tasks. Double-check your work for mistakes, proofread documents, and make sure all information is entered accurately.

Keep organized: Maintain a clean workspace and establish efficient systems for filing and organizing documents. Utilize digital tools or physical folders to sort information and make it easily available.

Communicate effectively: Proper communication is crucial in any job. Respond promptly to emails, phone calls, or messages, and sustain clear and professional communication with coworkers and clients.

Manage your time: Prioritize tasks and use your time efficiently to meet deadlines. Employ calendars, to-do lists, or project management tools to stay on top of your duties.

Ask for clarification when necessary: If you're uncertain about any task or instructions, don't hesitate to request clarification. It's preferable to ask for guidance initially rather than make errors later.

Keep in mind, while administrative tasks may appear simple, they are crucial for an organization's overall functioning. Tackle them with a positive mindset, attention to detail, and a readiness to learn and grow. As you gain experience, you'll likely be given more intricate and challenging responsibilities.
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Ashley’s Answer

Starting your first job is incredibly thrilling! My suggestion is to pay close attention and absorb as much knowledge as you can. The initial months will be a period of growth, and you'll acquire a lot of skills while working. Within the first few months, you can become proficient in tasks like taking meeting notes and recording action points. By sending out meeting minutes and action items via email, you can demonstrate to your team that you're an attentive listener, well-organized, and possess leadership traits.

Furthermore, don't hesitate to ask questions. Inquiring might even generate ideas for enhancing certain aspects of the company, which you can then discuss with your manager or team. During your first weeks to months on the job, you'll begin to establish your reputation, so make an effort to attend meetings you're invited to and arrive punctually.

Additionally, maintain a record of all the tasks you complete and are working on. This way, you can have progress meetings with your manager to review all the fantastic work you've accomplished. I also advise having a discussion with your manager in your first week to clarify expectations and determine what they'd like you to achieve during your initial weeks to months.
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Renato’s Answer

As a new employee, you'll often be given tasks that might appear "simple," but they're actually designed to help you learn the company's procedures. For instance, figuring out where to save files on the shared drive for effective data management is one such task. This type of knowledge can't be gained from school or previous experience. These tasks are assigned to assist you in becoming familiar with the company and establishing a solid foundation before you begin taking charge of deliverables.
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Justin’s Answer

One of the easiest things to do is to ask questions. It might be a bit contradictory since you feel like you're expected to know the job you're going to do, but most work environments are different, so it's 100% ok to ask questions. You aren't expected to know everything when you start working, so get used to asking questions! If anything, asking questions makes it seem like you're more engaged since you want to understand the work environment better!
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Caira’s Answer

Hi there! First of all, your nerves are completely understandable as starting a new job, regardless of how much experience you have can be stressful. I would say to come into your job, regardless of industry, excited and eager. Be open to your colleagues who will hopefully be very willing to help you learn and offer their expertise. I'd say the key in your first months is to show interest but coming prepared to meetings or discussions with your boss with questions, showing that you have a real interest to learn what you don't know. It's also completely okay to not know things! Try to take a deep breath if you start to feel overwhelmed and don't fear people judging you for not knowing something- everyone has been there and no matter how advanced you become in your career, knowing when to ask for help will be key. Be honest, open, organized, and curious and you will do so great!
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Cave’s Answer

Hi Mo,
I think that you coming here for advice, shows how much you care! The first day of every job will be different. I think the most important thing is to be present and take in as much advice as possible. You are going to have a lot thrown at you those first few weeks. Don't be afraid to ask questions! I remember being scared to bother my coworkers and thinking that I could just figure it out by myself. You asking questions shows initiative, and your coworkers should be happy to help. Those interactions also help you start to build relationships.
Best of luck in your new role!
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Aziz’s Answer

Depends on the job, but the most important thing is attentiveness and keeping an open mind. Make sure to stay focused it can be very hard at the beginning because most of the beginning stuff can be a bit boring.
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Theresa’s Answer

Hello! The interview always sets the stage for expectations. Ask: what the first 3-6 months will look like, what are the day-to-day activities of the job, what does success in the role look like. Ask for a copy of your job description. Your company may have performance management in place where you set annual goals with your manager. Good luck and you'll do just fine! Don't be afraid to ask questions.
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