As an entry-level worker, there are many new experiences waiting for you in the corporate world. However, if you’re not prepared for some changes in lifestyle and mentality, you might end up facing unforeseen setbacks. Listed below are some of the common entry-level worker problems that companies face. If you can avoid these, you’ll be on the right track professionally!
As the best career accelerator, HiCounselor is here to help you take the right professional strides. Read our guide to the entry-level worker issues to avoid below. If you need more help in getting prepped for the corporate world, get in touch with us and let one of our mentors guide you in the right direction!
1. Not Professionally Prepared
One of the biggest gripes employers have about hiring freshers is their lack of job readiness. This doesn’t mean employers expect you to know everything about doing the job. Rather, they want employees who can respect office rules, follow the dress code, listen to instruction, etc. Often, entry-level workers don’t take their jobs very seriously, which makes their seniors look down on them.
2. Improper Communication
When you’re working with others, you have to make sure you communicate everything properly. Failure to do that can end up costing the company time, effort, and money. Entry-level workers can either be nervous about communicating or fail to take it seriously. This makes working with them challenging as other workers have to take the communication upon themselves to ensure everything flows smoothly.
3. Absenteeism
Another entry-level worker problem that many employers complain about is frequent absenteeism. There’s no harm in taking leaves when required but some freshers overdo it by coming and going as they please. Sure, you might feel your pay package isn’t that great yet, but if you don’t start taking the job seriously, you might not have a job at all. Showing up is essential to learn and improve in your chosen field.
4. Ready to Quit
A lot of new workers don’t mind burning bridges over minor issues. This is a bad start that can later have an adverse effect on your career. You don’t have to stick to a job that makes you miserable but do talk to others about your reasons for quitting before you leave. You may find that you’re reacting to lifestyle changes that come with corporate life. These aren’t solid reasons to quit a job; they merely need some adjustment time.
5. Aversion to Feedback
One complaint many seniors have about entry-level workers is how hard it is to give them feedback. Even when that feedback is constructive in nature, freshers tend to take it as strictly criticism. Being new to the job can make you sensitive about your work but try to avoid reacting to feedback. Generally, it’s given to help you perform better so take it in stride and try to make the necessary changes to improve.
6. Unpunctual
Tardiness is an entry-level worker problem that can get really old, really fast. When you’re part of a team, your presence is required to make sure things progress as they should. When you’re constantly tardy, you slow down the entire process for everyone else. Another fresher problem is leaving early. This, too, is fine if done occasionally but when you leave early every day, you’re simply shirking your work.
7. No Initiative
When you become part of the corporate culture, you face many situations that weren’t part of your training. At such times, it’s best to give it your all rather than throw your hands up and pass the buck. If you see the possibility of improvement, by all means help to make things better for everyone. By becoming a contributing member of the team, you’ll make others warm up to you faster and impress your boss.
8. Always on the Phone
Many entry-level workers make a bad impression on colleagues by constantly being on their phones. Whether that’s to do with talking, chatting, being on social media, or even playing games, it’s seen as very unprofessional to spend time on your phone. Avoid the temptation to take your phone out repeatedly. Make sure you spend some of your free time socializing with your coworkers instead of scrolling.
9. Requiring Constant Supervision
One common entry-level worker problem across fields is their inability to pick things up fast. This means someone has to spend a big part of their workday making sure the freshers know what to do. If this task gets repetitive, it reflects badly on the fresher. Make sure you pay attention when you receive instructions so you can complete tasks without needing constant supervision. After a couple of days, you should be able to work on your own.
We hope this guide helps you avoid these common entry-level worker problems! If you’re looking for help in getting your career going, contact HiCounselor and have a chat with one of our friendly experts. We only take payment once we get you a job, so you don’t have to worry about paying us when you’re not working. Ask us to find out more about what we can do for you!
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