Beginning a New Job

Part One: Your first dayPart Two: What to expect from your employer

Part One

How to survive your first day on the job…

Be on time! Know how long it will take you to get to work.

Being late your first day will not make a good impression.

Wake up at least fifteen minutes earlier. This will give you extra

time in case of unexpected things such as traffic, etc.

Dress Appropriately!

Avoid anything too bold (such as bright colors or trendy items)

Wear simple jewelry Avoid worn out clothes with

holes, etc.

Ask about the dress code ahead of time.

Be observant! Observe Company Culture

Pay attention to the behavior, attitudes, and habits of the other employees.

Orientation Introduces you to company policies, procedures,

values, and benefits. Tour of the company Meet coworkers

Mentors Informal guides who help new employees adjust

to the workplace Provide guidance and advice. Someone to ask questions

Learn Policies & Procedures Find out what is expected of you.

What are your hours? What are your responsibilities? To whom do you report?

Know what your benefits are. When will you be paid and how?

Physical check? Cash? Direct deposit? What is the consequence for being late? How many paid sick days will you get per year? How much vacation time will you get? What is the procedure for requesting time off? What paid holidays do you get? When will you be eligible for a raise and how is it determined?

Ask for a company handbook.

Think about it… What do you think would be the difference in

dress code and company culture between the following types of workplaces: Working in a fitness center Working in a bank or credit union Working in a doctor’s office Working in a warehouse

Journal Response #13You’ve just started a new job as a veterinary assistant.

Because your last job was at an animal hospital, the veterinarian assumes you know how to perform various procedures on animals, such as taking a pet’s temperature and administering shots. You were actually just a receptionist, but you’ve seen these procedures often enough that you feel you could probably do them on your own. Do you tell the vet the truth – that you haven’t actually done these before? Or do you try it first and see how it goes? What might be the result of either of these actions? Explain in detail.

Part Two

What can you expect from your new employer?

Salary Salary Employees

Paid a fixed amount per month or year Do not usually “clock-in” Do not receive overtime pay

Hourly Employees Paid a fixed amount for each hour worked. Usually must “clock-in”

Overtime Pay Usually time and one-half Paid for each hour worked over 40/week Regulated by the federal government

Commission Applies to sales positions Paid based on amount of sales

Benefits These are various extras not required by law but

offered by most companies. Some standard benefits include:

Healthcare The company pays some or most of the

health plan premium. Retirement Plan

Some companies will contribute or match the employees contributions

Vacation Usually 1-2 weeks per year; sometimes

increases the longer you work there Sick Leave

Usually 3-5 days per year

Fair & Equal Treatment You have the right to be treated fairly by your

employer, which means… Receiving the pay initially agreed upon Receiving all benefits agreed upon Being treated with fairness and respect by all

supervisors and coworkers If you feel you have been treated unfairly…

Discuss with a supervisor Discuss with a human resource personnel Report to the department of labor

Evaluations Evaluations are periodic reviews of job

performance. They can determine… Pay Raises

Many companies base pay increases upon evaluations between employee and supervisor.

Probation If you are not performing up to standard,

you may be placed on probation, which means you are given a set amount of time to get back on track.

Some companies start a new employee out on probation to make sure he/she is a good fit.

Losing Your Job Layoff

A “layoff” refers to losing your position due to reasons other than poor job performance.

Employees who are “laid off” may be rehired in the future. Many companies offer severance pay (a payment allowance

based on length of employment). Fired

Being fired or terminated is losing your job because of poor job performance

Your employer should have a clear policy for handling termination.

Journal Response #14You and your friend just started a new job at

the same company. The human resource department conducts random drug testing. Your friend was picked but you weren’t. He/she tells you that there is reason to believe that he/she will not pass and asks you to take the test for him/her, saying that since it is such a large company, no one will notice. Do you take the test for your friend? Why or why not?