Common Mistakes of Newly Hired Graduates

1
Common Mistakes of Newly Hired Graduates

• Tutorial

2
This Tutorial Will

• Familiarize you with the most common mistakes
  made by recent college graduates their first year
  on the job. Our hope is that you wont make the
  same mistakes.

3
Did You Know?

• 40 of new hires will be dismissed within the
  first 18 months. p. 86
• 30 - 40 of at-work Internet usage is not
  work-related. p. 100
• Pilate, V. (2006). Dorm rooms to boardrooms.
  Crandell Rose, Washington, DC.

4

• Mistakes

5
Inappropriate behavior at office functions

• Cocktail hours, holiday parties, business dinners
• Although they are typically held off the clock
  these events require you to behave
  professionally.
• When found in these situations
• Refrain from drinking too much or drinking at
  all.
• Wear appropriate attire. Remember you are no
  longer in college, nor are you at a club.

6
Lying About Qualifications

• It is extremely inappropriate and unprofessional
  to lie or embellish your qualifications on any
  type of work document (resume, application,
  etc.).
• It may seem as if no one will find out. However,
  once discovered this type of falsification often
  leads to immediate dismissal.

7
Borrowing From the Office

• Easily enough, the companys property is the
  companys property and does not belong to you.
  This includes staplers, paper, pens, pencils,
  etc.
• Additionally, intentionally submitting inaccurate
  sick or vacation time is considered stealing from
  the employer.

8
Tardiness

• Continuously arriving late to work has no excuse.
  You are now working in a professional environment
  and are expected to come to work on time.
• No matter the circumstance, you need to fix it
  immediately.

9
Bad Attitudes

• Sure, everyone has an off day.
• However frequent complaining to your coworkers
  and customers does nothing for your professional
  image.
• Additionally, your bad day may turn worse after
  you are fired for bad-mouthing the company.

10
Focusing Too Much on Personal Business

• It can be challenging to accomplish certain tasks
  when the only time some businesses are open are
  while youre at work.
• Most employers recognize this and dont get too
  upset if you need to call to schedule a dr.s
  appointment.
• However, taking care of too many personal items
  during work is in appropriate.
• Save personal phone calls, errands, etc. for
  lunch. Or, if needed, take a personal day.

11
Attire

• Your first job out of college is the start of
  your professional career. You want people to take
  you seriously, so you need to dress the part.
• Business casual is not an excuse to wear tank
  tops and shorts.
• If your job requires a lot of public interaction,
  or if you are in a more formal environment, dress
  on the conservative side.

12
Failing to Ask Questions

• Dont be afraid to ask questions and to ask for
  clarification regarding projects.
• Doing so will help you understand the
  expectations and ensure that you deliver the
  desired results.
• Failing to ask questions may result in you making
  costly, irreparable mistakes, including the
  costly possibility of losing your job.

13
Resources

• Visit Career Services Resource Library for the
  following resources
• Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms
• Backpack to Briefcase
• Life After School Explained The Definitive
  Reference Guide
• 101 Tips for Graduates A Code of Conduct for
  Success and Happiness in Your Professional Life
• First-Job Survival Guide How to Thrive and
  Advance in Your New Career

14
Need More Help?

• Speak to a Career Counselor
• Call 410-871-3305
• Email career_at_mcdaniel.edu

15
Resources

• Information for this tutorial was taken from
• CareerBuilder.com http//collegejobs.typepad.com
  /collegejobs/2006/03/how_to_lose_a_j.html
• Miller, K. 10 Top Goofs Interns Make, retrieved
  from http//images.businessweek.com/ss/06/06/inte
  rn_mistakes/source/1.htm