Starting your first “proper” job after university is a big step, exciting, but also a bit nerve-wracking. You’ve probably had part-time work or summer jobs, but stepping into a full-time role is a whole new ballgame.
One of the key skills you’ll need to master early on is effective communication. It’s not just about what you say, but also how you listen, how you interact with others, and how you pick up on the unspoken cues.
Did you know that an enormous part of the impressions we make come through our nonverbal communication? No matter how many group projects you did at university, nothing can fully prepare you for the dynamics of a real workplace. To help you navigate these waters, here are some essential tips for effective communication as a newbie in the workplace.
Understand the Company Culture
Every workplace has its own communication style. Some places prefer a formal, polished tone, while others are much more relaxed and chatty.
Take the time to observe how your colleagues communicate, both in person and online. Are emails typically short and to the point, or do they include pleasantries, enthusiastic exclamation marks and detailed explanations?
Nowadays the way you communicate virtually is just as important as in person. Before bombarding your new team with emojis and GIFs of cats on Teams, take the time to learn the communication style and online etiquette for that organisation.
Are meetings very formal, or do they feel more like a casual discussion? Understanding these nuances will help you feel settled quickly and avoid any potential missteps.
Active Listening is Key
Active listening is essential for effective workplace communication. It’s not enough to simply hear what someone is saying, you need to actively engage with their message. This involves maintaining eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and asking follow-up questions if something isn’t clear.
In your new job, you will be absorbing a lot of information, so demonstrating that you’re an attentive listener can help build trust and credibility with your new team.
Be Clear and Concise
At university, you might have been used to padding out your essays to hit that word count. In the workplace, it’s the opposite, you’ll want to keep things as clear and concise as possible. Avoid jargon or overly complex language, particularly when you’re still getting to know your audience.
A great habit to develop is asking if your message makes sense and inviting questions. It shows that you’re focused on making sure everyone’s on the same page.
Our training courses at Change Formation are fully customisable, so whether you are on a graduate scheme and lack confidence in sharing ideas internally, or you want to work on your presentation skills, our courses are designed to make you feel confident entering the world of work.
Non-Verbal Communication Matters
Non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, play a significant role in how your messages are received.
Even if your words are polite, crossed arms or a lack of eye contact can give off a different impression. Be mindful of your non-verbal communication, especially in meetings, presentations and when speaking to senior staff.
A confident posture, a friendly smile, and maintaining appropriate eye contact can all help convey a positive and professional image.
Adapt Your Communication Style
Not everyone communicates the same way, so it’s important to adjust your style depending on who you’re talking to. Your manager might appreciate direct, no-nonsense updates, while a chat with a colleague could involve a bit more back-and-forth.
For instance, when discussing a project with someone senior, you might focus on results and deadlines, whereas a chat with a colleague could be more about brainstorming and potential ideas.
Being able to adapt your communication style to suit your audience is a valuable skill, particularly when your organisation relies on positive client relationships.
Learning to tailor your approach based on the client’s preferences can transform you from just another employee into a trusted advisor.
If you are looking to enhance that bond with your new clients, Change Formation offers virtual or in-person training positive client relationship training, which will enable you to find more opportunities to work with clients on a win-win basis.
Seek Feedback and Be Open to Critique
One of the best ways to improve your communication skills is to seek feedback. Don’t wait for your annual review to find out how you’re doing, ask for feedback from your colleagues and seniors regularly.
It may feel daunting to ask for feedback, but it shows that you are committed to personal development. It also allows you to address any potential issues before they morph into bigger problems.
When you receive feedback, whether positive or negative, listen carefully, and consider how you can apply it to improve your future communications.
Remember, feedback isn’t just about listening, it’s about how you apply it.
Practice Empathy
Empathy is about considering things from someone else’s point of view. Before hitting ‘send’ on an email or speaking up in a meeting, think about how your words might come across. Could your tone be misunderstood? Are you being too blunt?
Letting others know you understand their feelings, whether it’s excitement about a new project or frustration over a difficult task, can also make a huge difference. Simple phrases like, “I understand you’re frustrated with that,” or “I can see why you’re excited,” show that you’re tuned into their emotions, which helps build rapport and trust.
Tuning into how someone feels can also help you gauge the best way to deliver news, whether to be more sensitive if they’re upset or to share in their enthusiasm if they’re excited.
By practising empathy, you’ll not only avoid unnecessary conflicts but also build stronger relationships with your colleagues and clients.
Conclusion
Starting your first graduate job is a huge milestone, and effective communication is key to making a great impression and settling into your new role.
By paying attention to company culture, listening actively, and adapting your communication style, you’ll quickly become a valued member of the team. And remember, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it, your non-verbal cues matter just as much.
Are you looking for a tailored course to help yourself or your team of graduates master a range of strategies and techniques to improve their communication?
At Change Formation, we offer in-depth training designed to equip you with the tools needed to thrive when communicating in any scenario at work.