Starting a new job soon. Got any tips for me?

I am starting a new job in a few days and am looking for some tips. My last job started a little rough and I'm looking for some advice to get things rolling smoother early on.

The job is a sales job but I'll get to work on traditional and online marketing too, which is where I want to take my career in the long run. My last job was my first job out of college. I received absolutely no training and they seemed to expect me to be running at 100% right away. I asked a lot of questions (probably too many) and was basically unsure of most everything I did because I received no direction from my manager. It was a rough start. About a year after working there, my manager mentioned in a round about way that they were questioning hiring me after my first few weeks. But after a few weeks (of me asking a lot of questions and figuring out how I should complete my work) things went perfectly.

I realize some of the blame is on me for a rough start, but I want to do better this time around. Got any tips for me? What worked for you? What didn't work? Any tips, suggestions, words of warning, etc. is appreciated.

 

I'd say ask questions when you don't know what something is, don't be afraid to go to your boss and ask questions. Also keep things strictly business at work.

 

^^^^^
Its better to ask questions than to do something wrong and have to have someone come clean up the mess.

Yes try to keep work and your personal life separate, last thing you need is for there to be tension between you and a coworker that has absolutely nothing to do with work

 

Don't bang your co-workers!

 

Good tips guys! Thanks!

Haha! The only experience I have with this is an episode of Seinfield and I learned from George's mistake

 

I think HIMYM has a whole episode on that also

See The Platinum Rule: "Never ever, ever, ever love thy neighbor."

 

Haven't seen that one, but the platinum rule sounds like a good one.

 

Last place sounds like it sucked, how could they expect you to know what to do without any training or direction. What was the interview like?

 

The interview at the old place was actually really good. And after I got going that place was a blast. But during the first month I was questioning my decision. For instance, they wanted me to do a report but didn't give me any basic guidelines such as, do the report in PowerPoint. They just said, here's the info, now do an analysis and write up your findings. I did the entire report (three days worth of work) in Word and then had to transfer everything over to PowerPoint. I've definitely learned from that experience.

 

riverdog... don't be too hard on yourself, ...you are just starting out... we all make some mistakes when we're green... the important thing is learn from the mistakes, ...over time, try to improve your overall efficiency...

oh, and be confident in yourself, ...but listen, listen, listen... make use of the wisdom/experience you can glean from others you work with who have more experience and seem to be doing well...

distinguish yourself... look to find a "niche" at work, ...perhaps a certain task or skill that you like or excel at... something the boss' will have to come to you to get it done... perhaps, dress a little nicer than the rest, ...just little things you can do to "brand" yourself a little

 

Great advice! I think I'll be able to find my niche in the marketing stuff that I'll be doing. Thanks!

 

When I used to work at a restaurant, that was definitely an ignored rule

Oh yeah, be humble and willing to take constructive advice.

 

Don't take a massive deuce in the restroom and not spray air freshener heavily.

 

Roger that! I actually checked out the bathroom situation when I interviewed there. They're not close to where anyone sits.