Tips to survive in the corporate world

Here are a few tips to take you higher up the corporate ladder.

Get the Paper Work Completed Before You Begin

An offer really isn’t an offer unless it is on paper. Ensure you get the offer in writing and also get all the paperwork in order. The appointment order must give you basic information about the pay structure. Salary and other allowances, commissions, Provident Fund amount, and any other benefits. Other essential information includes start date, whom to report to and when. Now its all worked out you think since its on paper. Not yet. The company is not bound by law unless you sign on the acceptance letter. Keep a copy of this too with you. File and keep all of these documents in an orderly manner.

Conditions Of Employment

Your employment is usually subject to certain pre-employment checks such as health tests. Get all of the tests done appropriately. They compulsorily come as part of the offer and you have agreed for it by signing the acceptance letter. You most probably would not have read these details while signing on the document. Even if it isn't in the letter, it was probably contained within the application you signed earlier.

‘Start’ Even Before You Start

If you are serious about impressing your new employer show interest even before you start. Meet up people and ask for material you could read up to help you at work. Honestly read the stuff before you join. Even if you have a training programme scheduled, ask and read up related relevant material. This keeps you standing apart as a proactive, interested employee who will take the initiative. Definitely puts you in the good books of higher ups.

Inform Those who Helped

Make it a point to inform all your contacts and network (which you created enroute your job-hunt). Make it a point to thank them. Give them your office and home number. Help out anyone you can, now that you might be able to. Stay connected with your network it always helps, especially for the future.

Learning the Ropes

Your first job is the opportunity to understand a workplace environment. To understand what is expected of you as an employee. Not all of this can be spelt out. Be observant and learn the ropes from the efficient ones around you. It will hold in good stead throughout your career. There will be success and goof-ups too. Learn from both and get seasoned. Good Luck at the workplace.

THE 7 STEP CAREER MODEL

One needs to effectively chalk out plans that will help them advance in their career. This 7 Step Model imparts information on what you actually need to do. They will help you chalk out the next career move. Each step is further divided into questions that you need to ask yourself to work effectively.

1. Purpose: Clarify what according to you is meaningful and satisfying work? What are the aspects in your job that are meaningful to you? How will this make you contribute effectively to your work and your organisation? Will this help you achieve your goal? Is it just the monetary gains you consider as value? Do the employers appreciate the long hours of work you put in?

2. Positioning: Optimally match your skills, abilities and interests with industries and organisations. What are your target job functions and titles? Have you assessed your skills and abilities sufficiently enough so that it helps you identify what your preferences are and at the same time gives you room for alternatives also? What kind of companies and industries look for the target skills you have?

3. Packaging: Packaging is everything! Present yourself in a compelling manner in order to successfully change industries or fields. How do you define yourself? What qualities do you want to be known by? Are you a fast-starter? Detail-oriented? A team player? You need to match well with your target employer. What are your problem solving attitudes? Can you cope with a crisis? What specific competencies, expertise and experiences will you use as an argument for your next job or career?

4. Preparation: Build a strategic plan. Make contacts and turn them into career opportunities. Compile a list of people who can be useful for networking. Networking is the key promotional technique. Join organisations; get involved; keep in touch; do what you can to help others; be visible in your targeted professional community. Have you developed relationships with search firms and recruiters? Think how often people are changing jobs now. Are you using online resources and Web sites, career fairs, conferences and trade shows to maximum advantage?

5. Presentation: Turn opportunities into interviews and interviews into offers.

Employers certainly are interested in what you can do for them, but they will be glad if you will be interested in them! Research on the companies you have targeted at. Know what are the challenges they face, their problems and what their values and mission are. Use informational interviews to develop your understanding and knowledge about companies and create a network of contacts.

6. Performance: Master workplace competencies that enhance your personal success in any corporate culture. Can you cope with a crisis? Can you wade through office politics? Are your survival skills sharp? Can you perform well even when you are pressurised for work? Do you know how to effectively communicate the added value you bring to the organisation? Are you assuming if you just work hard and do a good job, you will be recognised and rewarded?

7. Planning: Long term planning is more effective than a short term planning. Know what you are getting into. Analyse where you would want to see yourself in a few years from today. This planning is equally imperative as it builds a thought process to which you need to find logical answers. Maintain a professional developmental plan that will serve as guidelines throughout your career. Is your resume updated? Do you regularly maintain a log of your accomplishments, training, awards and feedback to prepare for your annual performance evaluation? Do you know where you want to be and what you want to be doing in 5 or 10 years? What do you anticipate will be the challenges and life situations you will be facing and how are you preparing for them now? Do you have savings just in case of an emergency? Are you prepared to relocate? What are your plans in case your company decides to downsize?

These are just a few questions we have listed for you to know and analyse. It helps you think clearly and effectively. Once you have managed to answer them, you know that you are on the right track.

SUCCESS EARLY

 A breed of young achievers who let nothing come in their way to success. What goes into the making of this elite young company? We found out

 A vibrant personality

To join the ranks of a manager you need to spruce up your self. A spring in your step and a warm and friendly disposition is better than a standoffish manner.

It is imperative for you to be calm, collected, and confident. Get people around you to listen to you without trying to be a ‘know-it-all’. After all, who would want to work with a sullen-faced, egoistic boor?

 Mind your language

Get your language skills polished. You won't go far if you fumble over your grammar and say the wrong things at the wrong time. Chances are your subordinates may brush aside your experience, belittle your knowledge. There’s nothing like a great vocabulary to help you get your thoughts and ideas across. It is noticed that people with good communication skills have an edge over the rest!

Originality does it!

Finding viable solutions, contributing quality ideas are sure to get you into the good graces of important people. Build a reputation of being original, genuine, concise and eager. Be practical, always having the final objective in mind. While executing ideas make full use of the resources at hand.

 Handling with care

The job of a manager will require extensive people management skills. Getting things done in record time and not compromising on quality involves motivating people, goading them if necessary but making sure that their work output does not suffer because of your overbearing attitude.

 Credit where credit is due

Working in a group, not being a ‘Prima Donna’ is one of the first lessons that one needs to learn. Learn to view things objectively and commend good work irrespective of who did it. Be a team player, and engage in team building efforts whenever you can. Be open to sharing your ideas with others and don’t be closed to suggestions.

 Best among equals

Unless you excel and out-do competition, there’s no way you can make it to the top. Make sure you get all the exposure you can now because it is reassuring for people to feel they have a boss, someone who knows the answers and has charted the course.

Don’t shirk responsibility, remember genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration". Reckon with weaknesses and compensate for them. Work towards excellence, knowing that effective managers are a breed apart!