CULTURE CLASH: new work environment greatest challenge when starting job.

Recent graduates embarking on their careers may find there are some things college didn’t prepare them for, a new survey suggests. About four in 10 (42 percent) advertising and marketing executives polled by The Creative Group said acclimating to a firm’s corporate culture poses the greatest challenge for professionals starting a new job in the creative field. Learning new business protocols ranked second, with 30 percent of the response.

Advertising and marketing executives were asked, “In your opinion, which of the following is the greatest challenge when a person is starting a new staff-level marketing/advertising job?” Their responses:

42% – Acclimating to the corporate culture
30% – Learning new business protocols
11% – Adapting to a new manager’s style
9% – Gaining acceptance among current employees
8% – Other/don’t know

“It can be challenging for job seekers to assess a firm’s culture and how well it aligns with their values and priorities,” said Megan Slabinski, executive director of The Creative Group. “While good pay and benefits are attractive, nothing trumps a genuine sense of belonging.”

Slabinski noted that even those who are a good fit for a particular work environment may find it difficult to adapt to a new company’s culture.

“Some distinctions are subtle, so professionals must be observant,” she said. “New employees should pay careful attention to things such as how and when people communicate, and try to emulate the predominant style.”

The Creative Group offered the following tips for adjusting to a new corporate culture:

— Follow the leader. Get to know your manager’s communication preferences: Is e-mail or in-person communication preferred? Also, how much detail does your supervisor expect when it comes to your activities and projects?

— Learn your meeting manners. Be alert to the unwritten rules of group gatherings: Is it the general practice to speak your mind, or wait until opinions or feedback are requested?
— Tune in to the work ethic. Organizations define hard work differently. For some, it could mean instant messaging around the clock, while for others it entails giving your all during set hours.

— Identify the decision-makers. Get a sense of the chain of command and how much autonomy workers have.

“New employees should resist the urge to rock the boat right away,” Slabinski said. “The first priority is to earn people’s trust. Once that’s been established, colleagues will be more open to suggestions.”

For more information at http://www.creativegroup.com