First day at a new job..first time having my own desk - office politics pls help!?

Question

I went for an interview yesterday. Originally i went in for a telemarketing position knowing they had a secretarial/administrative position available. At first he said the position was filled and by the end of the interview I had the job for secretarial/administrative. I was shocked - I have the experience for this job somewhat but am feeling abit lost - today was my first day. Do I write a thank you letter to the employer as it seems like a family run small business and everybody is tight nit with eachother. Is there any websites to study secretarial/office politics and what is expected ?? I am so lost and yet really like the people there..i feel like I don't deserve this job even though I know i can handle it. And another thing, I'm 26 yrs old and because I'm petite and look between 19 - 21 yrs...I feel really small and look like the youngest in the company. It's a really important position and my first time having my own desk...I want to keep this job - HELP! Any advice pls

Answer 1

Hi there. First of all, congratulations on your new job. Initially you don't need to make a thank you letter to the employer primarily because you were hired. Gratitude and appreciation can be expressed by ensuring your employer that you are worthy of the position and is doing a great job. Apprehensions (and a little anxious) are natural feelings for new comers. Give yourself a break by not rushing things. It takes time to adjust and familiarize yourself to your employer, environment and to your peers. Just be yourself and do your best in whatever you do (regardless if its a minute or big responsibility). You will not be chosen by your employer if you were not qualified or he/she didn't feel you will be fit for the position. Set aside your worries because this will not help you. Focus on your skills and past work experience. Companies usually have a deck on office policies but if not available, then maybe during your breaks you can ask your peers for some suggestions and information about them. Good luck!

Answer 2

First of all Congratulations on the new job.

If this is a small business, it would be a nice gesture on your part to send a thank you card/note. This is advisable after every interview, even if you do not get hired.

As far as office politics, if this is an independently run business, you will have to spend some time watching how others interact with each other to figure this out. If it is a satellite office of a corporation, there should be employee manual that you receive during your orientation that would outline the pecking order.

Answer 3

Best of luck to you. It sounds like they were really impressed with you during the interview. Smaller, family owned companies can be alot more informally run than larger companies. Pay attention to what they are telling you. Don't waste time, gossip, show up late or dress inappropriately. Do things the way they want them done, even if you think you have a better way. There will come a time in the future where you can bring up something you might want to do differently, but for now just do it their way. Make sure you meet any deadlines you have and always be polite and courteous.

Answer 4

Writing a thank you note is a nice gesture, and as for the office politics, your best bet is to prioritize: work first, ask questions if you don't know the answer (that's how you learn), come in on time and leave when you're supposed to, be friendly without getting into other people's business, avoid getting involved in gossips about anyone and don't volunteer unless you know the answer or you are asked. It is a learning experience, and we all make mistakes, but if you do, learn from it enough to not make the same mistake. Another important factor - do not snitch on your colleagues or they will leave you out of everything aside from not letting you know what you need to.

Other than this, smile and be polite to everyone.

Answer 5

Show confidence, you know what ur doing and you should give it some time to know 100% of the job. dont think about how you appear to look like the youngest there, its good to look younger then what you are. I currently am the youngest person in my office (23yrs old) and they dont treat me any different,they are all 37-65 yrs. first days anywhere are hard and you'll feel less lost as you learn how the office runs with you as apart of it.

Answer 6

This sounds like a very entry level position. Most people have their own desk.

Stop stressing. It's not that big a deal. Especially if you are 26.

As far as politics, stay out of it. Just use your own judgement. Don't gossip and don't take sides.

Answer 7

Turn off your cell phone.

Make sure you understand each task you are given. Some of them will be no-brainers, however, some of them will be new to you. If you do not CLEARLY understand what needs to be done, ask questions or use feedback - "just to make sure, you want these contracts filed in alphabetical order and you want me to put the latest contract in the front of each folder. Is that correct?"

Try to be friendly, but try to avoid office gossip.

Answer 8

Listen, listen, listen! Best way to deal with office politics is to listen, smile and keep your mouth shut.

Even if you think you have a better way of doing something, don't volunteer your idea. Wait until you've been there long enough to have a complete picture.

Answer 9

Stay off the Internet unless you have been told you can use it for personal reasons. Keep you noise clean and pay attention to what is going on in the office,

Answer 10

A thank you letter is probably unexpected in this case but would be a great gesture. I would keep it simple by explaining that you appreciate their confidence in you and you intend to do your very best to become an asset to the company.