Top Ten Mistakes Of Recent College Graduates

Even in this tough economy, there are many recent college graduates who either have jobs or are about to start jobs. However, many of them will be making some mistakes that can be avoided. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Not dressing appropriately. What's the first thing that people notice about you when you go to work? Probably the way you're dressed. Take the lead from upper management and don't follow your peers when it comes to the dress code at work. Dress appropriately. If you work in a corporate environment, a business suit is probably the norm and if you work for Google, it will be a lot more casual.

2. Criticizing the way things are done. When you're first starting out, I'm sure you want things to be done the way you're used to having them done but it's best to defer to the way your bosses want things done. I once had a new employee who was very smart and well-educated. They proceeded to criticize a big project my bosses and I were working on. We were very successful with that project and all this employee did was alienate themselves from their supervisors. Establish a great work reputation first before trying to change things.

3. Expecting a promotion after one week on the job. I was giving a college lecture recently when one of the students mentioned that her boyfriend couldn't understand why he hasn't gotten a promotion after being on the job for 3 months. BE PATIENT! It doesn't do you any good to quickly get a promotion if you're not ready for one. Once you have a great work aptitude and the experience that is required, you will move up the ladder but don't be in a rush.

4. Coming in late to work. You may have gotten used to coming in late to class but that won't cut it in the workplace. If you want to tick your boss off first thing in the morning, then by all means come in late but I wouldn't recommend it. When you arrive late to work or to a meeting, you're basically saying that your time is more valuable than everyone else's-it isn't. Set your alarm clock earlier and you'll be fine.

5. Spending too much time on the phone or Internet. You never want to be known as the person who "is always on the phone" or "is always on the Internet" for personal reasons. It shows your boss that you have too much time on your hands. Some departments keep a log of phone calls for their employees and many companies keep track of your Internet usage so avoid those porn sites at work!

6. Drinking too much at company functions. You may be used to partying at school but partying too hard at a work function can cost you a job or career. It's that one extra drink that can hurt you. I've seen employees say very inappropriate things to bosses and co-workers, some got hurt physically, some have gotten DUI's, and some just make asses out of themselves. If you must drink at a work function, have one drink and nurse it.

7. Inappropriate material on social networking websites. You may have hit the right privacy functions on Facebook or did you? Just assume that your employer or prospective employer can see your Facebook or MySpace page. Don't post any photos of you drinking/partying or in a revealing bathing suit. Definitely don't say anything negative about anyone at work because many people who have done so have been fired.

8. Not asking the right questions. When you're new to a job, it's not only important to ask questions but to ask the right questions. If you ask too many your boss might get frustrated but too few and you won't learn what you need to learn. Think about the most important questions you have and ask them. A former boss once told me that the person asking the questions is the one in power.

9. Sending inappropriate emails at work. You have to be very careful about the content of your work emails. They should all be professional and don't assume it's o.k. to use shorthand like you would in a text message. Importantly, if you are upset with someone, take a step back, wait 30 minutes, and then edit your email. Once you send a nasty email, you're at the point of no return and I've seen employees get fired for one negative email.

10. Not accepting constructive criticism. Younger employees have been brought up by parents, teachers, and sports coaches with a lot of praise which means a lack of criticism. Don't worry-your boss will probably make up for a lifetime of praise with a lot of criticism. Don't take it personally. Everyone gets criticized. Listen to what the boss says and if they're right, tell them you will do a better job in that area. If you disagree with your boss's criticism, it's o.k. to tell them that but make sure you have examples of why they're wrong.