20 ways to stand out in your new job

Want to stand out in your new job and make a great first impression?  Try these fun and effective tips:

  1. What are you good at?  Highlight your strengths!  Become the “go-to” person for one thing at your workplace.
  2. Ask how the staff performs certain procedures and try doing them their way (like taping in a catheter, setting up vaccines, etc.).
  3. Say “thank you” on a regular basis.
  4. Perform public outreach to help advertise your workplace (such as teaching basic grooming or first aid).
  5. Learn something new that your workplace doesn’t currently offer so that you can provide it (like learning a new diagnostic technique or surgery).
  6. Every now and then, clean a kennel or take out the trash.  Be proactive even with the most menial tasks.
  7. Learn the name of the pets of everyone at your workplace.
  8. Take on the responsibility of handling posts on social media.
  9. Take the one thing that makes you nervous and learn about it so you may be more confident.
  10. Take a half hour each day to learn something new.  A reputation for a willingness to try new things or tackle challenges is a great one to have!
  11. Take time out for yourself each day to do whatever makes you happy.  Finding a work-life satisfaction that works for you is vital.
  12. For ambulatory work, make sure the truck is gassed up, clean and ready to go for the next day.
  13. Do something nice for a co-worker once a month.  Whether it’s lunch on you, a small gift card or formal recognition, it can really make a difference.
  14. Offer a time to help co-workers develop their skills on a slow day.
  15. Celebrate work milestones and little victories.
  16. Host fun learning opportunities like a tough-word spelling bee.
  17. To connect clients to your clinic, learn their name and a small fact, know if their pet is male or female, and shake their hand and introduce yourself with confidence and sincerity.
  18. Send text message updates for ill or boarding pets.  Pictures are a great touch!
  19. Learn more about the other veterinarians at your workplace and see if you have a shared interest you could pursue together.
  20. And most importantly, be yourself and have fun! 
Prepared by the Early Career Development Committee, February 2014

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