Steve Rogers, business manager
Seymour (media sales)
I have experienced new starters who have not demonstrated enough flexibility and were too 'by the book' for the sales environment. You need to be open to trying different things. Another trap I have seen new starters fall into is trying to over-ingratiate yourself with people, being falsely friendly and asking too many (stupid) questions.

In many companies, employees don't get a decent induction, but that is not a valid excuse - read around the subject, ask sensible questions, show some initiative and take ownership. If you have any time, don't sit and read magazines, go and meet people in different departments and talk to them. It's all about taking initiative. Don't just take over where someone else left off - try implementing some improvements.

David Gunn, partner
Bond Pearce (commercial law firm)
Show the same level of enthusiasm as when trying to win the job. Those around will feel the vibes you give off, and the team is going to judge you instantly. It can take a long time to backtrack from that. Show interest, be dynamic and enthusiastic - the tasks you are given to do will equate with the manner in which you behave and the ability demonstrated.

If you feel the job was hyped up at interview, and find yourself with a more mundane task than you thought you were being hired to do, give it a chance and talk to your employer about it.

Steve Hindley, group chief executive
The Midas Group (construction)
Advice for the more senior candidate: be wary of being taken out of your comfort zone. People involved in running fairly large organisations tend to forget they have a massive infrastructure to support them and, if they move to a smaller company to advance their career, will have a shock. If you have been headhunted for a role, make sure you are not being sold a load of gilded roses as you could be in for a shock and the new job could be a big mistake.

The more senior the candidate, the more plausible they are at interview, and we have found that, often, the person coming in doesn't fully understand the business they're coming to and the complexities of the job - even at a senior level.

Rachel Curren, HR and training manager
BPP Business Education (training)
Don't get carried away with trying to prove how on the ball you are. This can be frustrating for the person trying to train you. Don't be afraid to question processes; just don't steam in and start going on about your previous company - this will alienate people. Take advantage of the experienced staff around you. Consult with them before undertaking something you're unsure of. If it all goes wrong they have to sort it out.

Back to top