5 First Job Tips for Women

Working women often encounter different challenges than men when starting their first job. As a woman who has worked in jobs ranging from secretary to manufacturing production manager to financial analyst, I have seen many of the mistakes that working woman make in their first jobs. Here are five first job tips for working women as they get started in their career:

1. Don't become the "girl who bakes great cookies." Everyone wants to be seen as cooperative, friendly, and helpful when they begin their first job and one way that some working women try to do this is to bring baked goods and treats to their office mates. This is not a good idea if you want to be seen as equal to the men in your department. Your brother or your boyfriend wouldn't bake chocolate chip cookies for the boss and you shouldn't either.

2. Don't become the office "social coordinator." This is along the same lines as baking cookies for your office mates. Men often assume that a woman (especially a younger woman in her first job) should coordinate office picnics and other activities for the group. If this isn't part of your job description, don't volunteer to do it.

3. Do volunteer for extra work. It is important for all workers, especially women, to be seen as go-getters in their first job. Volunteering for extra work will allow your higher-ups to see that you are seeking increased responsibility and will definitely make a good impression (be careful not to bite off more than you can chew, though).

4. Do ask for feedback. Women are typically great communicators and it's a good idea to take advantage of this trait during your first job. Whether you have formal weekly meetings with your boss or not, make sure to touch base with your manager on a regular basis, asking for feedback (both positive and negative) on your performance.

5. Don't cry at work. All working women have a bad day (men do too) and first jobs can be especially tough as you get used to increased expectations in the work place. Sometimes, you can have a bad boss or a tough first assignment that makes you want to cry. If at all possible, hold it in until you get home. Your coworkers and your boss don't want to see you crying and you don't want to be known as "the girl who cried at work today."