First-Job Survival Guide

How to Thrive and Advance in Your New Career

First-Job Survival Guide provides high school and college graduates with information that is not taught in the classroom, but that is necessary in order to be successful in the business world. Some of the areas covered include:

The ability to professionally communicate in writing
The knack for dressing for success and applying the necessary business etiquette skills
The talent to effectively manage conflict and deal with difficult coworkers
The flair and confidence to influence others
The skills to be an effective team player
The ability to achieve – and exceed – expected results
The fortitude to work for a difficult boss

Why This Book Was Written

Human resource managers and hiring managers lament the lack of business knowledge and skills recent graduates bring to the work environment. Although many organizations provide training and development opportunities, sometimes they come too late to ensure the success of young, high-potential employees. First-Job Survival Guide will help new hires thrive in the world of work. By helping them establish a foundation of basic, yet critical, interpersonal skills to ensure their individual success as well as the success of the organization.

Overview

First-Job Survival Guide is designed as a unique, easy-to-read, reference guide that will give new hires practical usable guidance and advice on critical interpersonal skills. The book is structured so that information can be easily located and read in any sequence the reader desires. Real stories are shared throughout. Checklists and self-tests can also be found in the book. This practical approach will enable readers to participate more fully in their personal development.

The book contains nine chapters plus an introduction. The section and chapter titles are:

Part I It’s All About Image

Chapter 1 Your Professional Image
Chapter 2 Business Writing Basics
Chapter 3 Business Etiquette

Part II Working With People

Chapter 4 Dealing with Difficult Coworkers
Chapter 5 Developing a Positive Relationship with Your Boss
Chapter 6 Eight Ways to Be An Effective Team Member

Part III Skills for Getting Ahead

Chapter 7 Tapping Into The Positive Side of Conflict Situations
Chapter 8 Influencing Others
Chapter 9 Maximizing Your Results