Jezebel Tells You How to Succeed At a New Job

Jezebel, the online women’s site, has some tips for starting a new job, written by Anna North, who interviewed three job consultants. Good for men too.

The complete column, with much more detail, links to more information, and suggestions from readers is here.

Here goes:

Say yes.

Be the "no-problem" person.

Ask questions.

You're not going to know how to do everything at the beginning.  Ask for help once you can show "that you've taken the steps to figure it out on your own." People like being able to impart their wisdom.

Ask how you'll be evaluated.

Will success be measured based on quality, timing, exceeding expectations, innovation, or other criteria?

Learn your workplace culture.

If possible, talk beforehand to people who've worked at the company.

Do people go out for drinks after work?

Is it looked down on to collaborate with others?

How much feedback do managers usually give?

Do people get to meetings on time?

Look at your company's website .

What is the  leadership vision?

What  is the company’s physical space and amenities?

Do the vending machines have healthy choices?

Are the washrooms luxurious or bare bones?

Who has an office?

Whose work space is close to the boss, the view, the entrance, or in an out-of-the way corner?

Be friendly, but not overly casual.

Two words: "professional camaraderie.”

Be slightly deferential to older coworkers.

Figure out your workplace persona. Be yourself, be “on,” be friendly. If you're shy, step it up. If you're rah-rah, tone it down.

Your work self is never going to be exactly the same as you at home or at school or at your old job. Make adjustments as you go.

If you make a mistake, own up to it.

Everybody screws up, especially  in their early days on the job. Don’t try to sweep it under the rug.  Tell your boss. Assure her that you take  responsibility, have learned from the incident, and don't plan to let it happen again.

If possible, apologize to wronged people in person.

Know that you won't get everything right away.

Take the time to quietly observe how things are done in the company. Mold your behavior accordingly, rather than trying to make your mark right away.

Like in many social situations, you'll do better the more you relax.

For the entire article, go to http://alturl.com/cgcim. For other Social Minefield  advice columns, visit http://jezebel.com/.