{"id":11231,"date":"2022-02-22T02:32:07","date_gmt":"2022-02-22T02:32:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.emotedigital.com.au\/?p=11231"},"modified":"2022-02-22T02:45:05","modified_gmt":"2022-02-22T02:45:05","slug":"age-is-just-a-number-7-tips-for-presenting-yourself-in-any-work-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/age-is-just-a-number-7-tips-for-presenting-yourself-in-any-work-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"Age is Just a Number: 7 Tips for Presenting Yourself in Any Work Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re starting work experience, an industry internship or your first part-time job – it\u2019s natural to feel a bit nervous!<\/strong><\/p>\n

A common concern we hear from lots of young people is that they\u2019re worried about being the youngest person in the workplace and how this means they\u2019ll be treated. Many young people also worry that others will only see them as the \u2018young\u2019 one at work, and they won\u2019t get a chance to grow and learn.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s blog, we\u2019re offering our top tips for presenting yourself in any work environment – no matter whether you\u2019re the oldest or youngest in the room – to help boost your confidence and ensure you get the most out of any work experience.<\/p>\n

Age is Just a Number: Top Tips for Presenting Yourself<\/h4>\n

1. Start with what you have control over.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can\u2019t control what other people might think about you, but you can help to give them the very best first impression. You have complete control over your appearance, how you greet others, and how you engage by asking questions and staying positive.<\/p>\n

Never underestimate how confidence-boosting a professional outfit can be. Remember to smile when meeting people for the first time, and where appropriate, use a firm handshake in greeting (COVID safety rules permitting – you might opt for an elbow bump!).<\/p>\n

2. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail!<\/strong><\/p>\n

We know it\u2019s a bit of a clich\u00e9, but it\u2019s one we think still holds. When entering a new environment for the first time, there is lots you can do to help prepare; read up about the organisation overall, its goals, missions and culture. Research their social media and get a feel for how they present the company and speak to their target audiences.<\/p>\n

You can also prepare some questions to ask; try to think about things you\u2019re genuinely interested in rather than stock questions.<\/p>\n

3. Be proactive with networking.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you know who everyone is, take things a step further and show an interest in individual people and their work roles. Don\u2019t sit back and wait for people to talk to you; use your initiative and engage with those around you.<\/p>\n

Ask if you can catch up with everyone on your team, and prepare some questions to ask them. Talk about how they got into their role and what they like best about it. Ask for their advice on things they would have wanted to know at your age when starting work.<\/p>\n

This is a great way to show people that while you might be young, you\u2019re not afraid to take matters into your own hands and make things happen.<\/p>\n

4. Everything is an opportunity for feedback to learn and grow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It can be tricky in a new workplace to seek feedback – everyone\u2019s busy and it can feel like the only time you know if what you\u2019re doing is right is when you get it wrong! Again, being a little proactive here can be helpful.<\/p>\n

When you first start, ask your mentor or supervisor how they\u2019ll let you know you\u2019re doing things right – it\u2019s also okay to say you like being told when you\u2019ve done well, especially in the first few days to help build your confidence. Once they know how you like to receive feedback, most people will be happy to make sure they do this.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re new, everything you do can be a chance for you to learn and improve. Take on board any feedback (yes, even if it isn\u2019t good) and act on it the next time you do a similar task.<\/p>\n

5. Mind your (professional) manners.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When we\u2019ve been in an environment – like school – for a while, it\u2019s common for us to get comfortable. We know the teachers we can be a bit cheeky with (and the ones we can\u2019t!). In short, we\u2019ve learned the boundaries of that particular environment.<\/p>\n

When we enter a new environment, it\u2019s important to put our best foot forward with good manners, being polite, respectful and courteous to everyone we meet, and making sure we create that right first impression.<\/p>\n

Over time, as you learn more about everyone, the culture, and how people like to be spoken to, you too can start to fit into that culture more. But to begin with – professional manners come first.<\/p>\n

6. Fake it until you make it!<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019re throwing all the cliches into this one – because, as it turns out, they can be pretty accurate! Rhianna once said when she isn\u2019t feeling confident, she fakes it until she does, and there\u2019s a lot to learn from this.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re the newbie on the block and feel out of place, it\u2019s natural your confidence will take a hit. A few ways to help boost your \u2018fake it\u2019 confidence include re-reading your application, remembering all your great skills, asking for feedback from your mentor or friends for something to focus on, or revisiting your career plan overall and remembering how this experience is going to help you long term.<\/p>\n

7. Adapt to your environment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

No workspaces are the same. You might go to one placement where you\u2019re expected to dress in smart clothes, and then another where jeans and sneakers are totally fine.<\/p>\n

Presenting yourself professionally in any environment often means taking cues directly from the environment. Read the room, ask questions about expectations, and adapt to suit where you are. This is one of the best ways to get along in any work environment.<\/p>\n

Next Steps<\/h4>\n

With the ongoing impact of the pandemic, presenting yourself in the workplace has never seemed trickier – especially when a lot of what we do is now online (if work placements are even happening!).<\/p>\n

There are still lots of ways to present yourself professionally; make sure you speak up in meetings, share ideas, chat to colleagues one on one, and take the time to learn, grow and explore as much as possible. Don\u2019t be an invisible staff member – be visible in any way you can.<\/p>\n

Even if you don\u2019t quite feel that confident yet entering a new workplace, the ways you present yourself can genuinely help. Focus on being kind, respectful, polite and trustworthy and you\u2019ll definitely be setting yourself up for success.<\/p>\n

Before you know it, you\u2019ll realise the confidence you were faking starts to feel authentic.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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