Quintessential Careers conducts ongoing research into the job-search experience of new
college graduates as they enter "The Real World."
Go to the Real World Home Page.
On how to dress:
"Dress to impress!"
-- 2002 TV production grad
"It's better to overdress the first few days, to be eager to learn,
to understand that no matter how much you know, you're brand new in
your job."
-- 2002 political philosophy grad
"In the first weeks of a job, dress according to the dress code to a 'T.'"
-- Robert Ashodian, management grad
"I first took a look at how others around me dressed, but in the end
I dressed for myself. I realized that although those in my
environment dressed pretty casually, I chose to 'step it up a notch,'
because of my position. I never knew when I might have to see a donor
without notice. It's always better safe than sorry!"
-- finance grad whose first job out of college was in the development
office of the college from which she graduated
"Always dress nicely, even if it's noticeable that you are
overdressed. This will make a good first impression."
-- Anne Johnson, senior corporate relations coordinator, U.S. Chamber
of Commerce, 2002 economics grad, University of Dallas
"Casual dress in the workplace for women is different than for men.
Men can wear Dockers and a golf shirt. Women still have to wear
suits, heels, conservative jewelry and makeup."
-- Jennifer J. Brooks, executive assistant, Dixon Ticonderoga
"Always spend the investment to get the best possible dress and make
the impression early on. No matter how informal the office may seems,
presenting yourself well is important."
-- Anonymous
"Even if a company is 'business casual' show up in a suit for your
first day on the job...if you want to move up within the company
dress as professional as possible (not necessarily in suits all the
time). My company is 'business casual,' but some people take extreme
advantage of it and wear jeans to work. I've noticed my director
takes those of us who dress professionally more seriously."
-- Ali von Staudach, senior account executive, CNET Networks, 1999
communication studies grad
"The most important things to know is be as professional as possible
meaning dress the part, be on time, and be sure the management knows
from the start that you are serious about who you are and what you
want to accomplish. Best advice for new college grads is to learn all
you can about your job, other people's job, and what it takes to
succeed in the company you work for."
-- Anonymous
"Lose the piercings, except for the ears in the case of women. Hair?
Natural colors ... maybe not your own natural, but natural looking
... definitely not blue or purple. Sir and Ma'am are perfectly
acceptable words to use during the interview and during employment
occasionally. It shows respect and you will be respected for it."
-- 1999 history grad
"Regardless of the casual dress environment, always project yourself
professionally and avoid the jeans look. In the IT contract business
where there are multiple contractors working for the same client, you
may find yourself working next to your future employer. Remember to
present yourself for your next job and employer."
-- Anonymous
"Appearance DOES matter. Develop a good work ethic up front that will
follow you throughout. Find out about company policies and then
behave appropriately."
-- Anonymous
"Look around. If your coworkers are all wearing nice suits, I would
invest in a couple of nice suits. If they are wearing casual outfits,
wear casual outfits. The same goes with how to act. Try to get a
feel for the company atmosphere while interviewing, so you know if it
is a serious environment or one that supports a little good natured
ribbing."
-- 2002 marketing and Japanese grad
"You're earning a job and trying to prove yourself, so always be
professional. Go a little more until someone tells you its OK to wear
jeans, or take a day off."
-- 2002 English education grad
"Make a solid first impression and keep it up for the first two
months. Know the dress code and dress on the high end for the first
couple months. If your company has casual attire where jeans areacceptable,
wear khakis or nice skirts for awhile before moving onto the jeans."
-- Stephen Magennis, finance grad
On professionalism and taking initiative:
"Act professionally and go above and beyond what is expected of you.
Take initiative, and you may be handed more responsibilities."
-- 2001 advertising and Spanish
"Act like a professional at all times (even outside of work).
Networking is an all-hours skill and is invaluable in any career."
-- 1998 English grad
"Preparation and professionalism are essential at the start to keep
on top of things and [enable you to] work well with a team."
-- Anonymous
"Professionalism, skills, and abilities will get you experience.
Experience will get you promoted."
-- 2003 computer information science grad
"Be professional, no matter what you are doing. Meet people that you
will be working with and make good relationships with them."
-- Anonymous
"Look and act professional -- and don't be afraid to ask questions."
-- Anonymous
"For new hires, work hard and prove yourself. Take on challenging
projects and illustrate your skills."
-- Anonymous
"Always have a smile on your face no matter how difficult it becomes."
--Anonymous
"Work hard .... put in some overtime. Never stand around. If you
complete a task, look for another one to tackle."
-- Ali von Staudach, senior account executive, CNET Networks, 1999
communication studies grad
Professionalism. It absolutely matters. Think about how you would
like to be perceived; set yourself up for success by behaving in a
manner that [reflects well on] your company. Get the reputation for
being professional -- think about what you say before you say it,
consider the implications of your actions, and understand that people
are paying attention to how you are dressed."
-- Bryan Stoehs, Global Account Partner, Gartner, Inc., 1999
communication studies grad
"There is no substitute for hard work -- do your best. If you perform
with a positive attitude and do your best, your company will prosper
and you will reap the long-term rewards. Short-termism is what I call
stinkin' thinkin' -- never have the attitude of 'what's in it for
me?' Work as if you own the company."
-- Mario Teixeira, director, SolutionFinders, 2002 master's grad in
organizational leadership, Regent University
"How to perform? Always to your best -- even if it's a task you're not that
wild about doing. Have a 'Work Habit of Excellence.' There's nothing wrong
with people thinking you're dependable and a hard worker no matter what the
job."
-- finance grad
On interpersonal communications in the workplace:
"Be respectful of your co-workers and superiors, but speak your mind
if something bothers you (in a professional manner of course).
-- Ali von Staudach, senior account executive, CNET Networks, 1999
communication studies grad
"I would not get caught up in office politics and gossip. Be as
even-tempered and amiable to your peers, subordinates, and bosses. Be
on time to work and even occasionally, work extra hours and don't be
afraid to take ownership for your mistakes an your accomplishments.
(P.S. Dress appropriately for the environment -- if it's an office --
dress for business)."
-- Anonymous
"Sit back and observe how the company operates, how each person
prefers to work. Some people like to be approached in person, others
via email, others by phone. Each person works differently, and the
only way you can become savvy is by taking a step back and watching."
-- 2001 broadcast news grad
"Treat everyone the same, whether it's the big boss or the
administrative assistant (secretary). Just because someone might be
in a lower job classification than you doesn't mean they don't carry
weight with, or at least have the ear of the big boss. Their comments
about you can affect your career performance. You really can't screw
up unless your interpersonal skills are lacking. Everyone expects you
don't know anything, so just be a good person, volunteer for projects
or to help others out with mundane work, and use good manners."
-- Stephen Magennis, finance grad
"Even at the most respected multinational companies there are
different types of people. Some of them hate you from the first day
you entered the office, others are polite and friendly with
everybody. Both types of these people can be either your enemies or
friends. Don't tell personal information to anyone, until you trust
him/her completely."
-- 2001 economics grad
On open-mindedness, flexibility, and willingness to learn:
"Be willing to learn more than what you have been taught. In theory
some things look very easy, but in the real life and in corporate
world, theory doesn't work. you have to look at other people and the
way they do the job. Learn by looking and trying yourself. If you
just graduated from college, you actually don't know anything. You
learn while working. Be patient and willing to accept that you will
make mistakes and people will show you what you have done wrong. You
will get negative criticism, but don't take it personally. Work with
it and make it work for you!"
-- 2001 grad
"Come in with an open mind and eyes. Observe everything around you,
and absorb as much as you can."
-- Anonymous
"Be eager to learn. Come in before, and leave later than your boss."
-- 1999 finance grad
"Be honest. Don't lie about anything. Do the best and honest job you
can and your boss will appreciate your efforts. I would also say asks
lots of questions. The person that is training you likes to answer
those questions because it makes them feel like they know everything."
-- 2003 electronic engineering technology grad
"DO NOT act like you know everything ... I don't care if you graduated
with a 4.0. If you do, your new co-workers will not like it and
you'll just give them more ammunition as to why you are a 'wet behind
the ears' college kid. College grades kick open the door and get you
the job. Once you are hired, you start the learning process from near
scratch. You'll get more respect by listening and absorbing what your
co-workers have to teach rather than showing off how much you
know ... because they're really not impressed by it ... really. After
the widely used 90-day 'probationary' period you should be showing
your employer that although you still have a lot to learn, you have
hit the road running and used what they've taught you. The majority
of your day-to-day tasks will already be set by then, so you want to
show that you are becoming more competent and a value-added member to
the team. Within the first year, depending on the complexity of your
job, should be fully competent in your role. You will look better
during raise/promotion cycles if you have been performing above what
is expected based on your experience."
-- Robert Ashodian, management grad
On being yourself:
"Just be yourself and don't be afraid."
-- 2000 math major
"Be yourself, after all if you are hired and then act differently
from how you did at your interview, you'll look like a fake."
-- 2002 wildlife and fisheries science grad
"The best advice is to be professional, and more importantly be
yourself. If you worry to much about trying to be something you're
not, the employer and your co-workers will see that and eventually it
will catch up to you. Rather impressing them with a bunch of little
white lies, be honest about your experiences and indulge them with
what your have learned from those experiences."
-- 2003 human resource management grad
Agree or disagree with what you've read here? Have something to add?
Help us with our on-going research on the job-hunting successes, failures, and stories
of recent college graduates by taking a few minutes and completing our
Real World Job-Search Advice Survey Form.
