Contracts, Cash & Cover Letters: 8 Things Every Young Professional Should Know

So you’ve finally finished college, you’ve landed yourself a job and all of a sudden you’re hit with the realisation that you’re no longer an unemployed student – you’re a young professional. It’s scary but it’s also sort of exhilarating at the same time, huh?

There are a host of positives that come with being able to label yourself a “young professional.” The first one probably being the fact that you actually have a wage now (woop!). The other positives include finally having financial independence from your folks, having your own space and increased confidence in yourself.

However, as well as the positives, there are also some negatives. All of a sudden you’re thrust mercilessly into the realms of being a grown-up. You’re expected to understand things like tax and employee rights and how the world works.

It can be pretty daunting. Thankfully, help is at hand. Here are 8 things that every young professional should know. Hopefully these little tips and tricks will help you weather the transition from college student to upstanding career-possessing member of society.

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Always, always, always read everything through before you sign on the dotted line

1. Always read it before you sign it: Whether it’s a work contract, a lease on an apartment or a conset form for surgery, make sure you read ALL the fine print before you put your name on it. It doesn’t matter if the document you’re holding is 623 pages long, read it all. Make sure you’re aware of what you’re getting yourself into before you agree to anything.

2. When writing a cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV: Okay, so you have a job already, but this tip will come in handy when you apply for another one in the distant future. Never ever use your cover letter as a place to summarise what’s in your CV.

Your cover letter should display your personality and add a uniqueness to your application. Use it to showcase what a fantastic/fun/amazing/talented person you are. They can read your CV if they want the nitty gritty details of your education.

3. Understand your wage slip: See where your money is going every single month in taxes, make sure you’re getting paid the correct amount and if you have no idea what PAYE means, look it up. Educate yourself when it comes to your money, you’ll be glad you did it in the long run.

4. Always write a thank-you note: After an interview, after you’ve been offered a job, after someone does a favour for you and when someone gives you a gift. A hand-written thank-you note will speak volumes and tell the recipient that you’re a kind, friendly person with a super-thoughtful streak. And who knows? You might start getting some thank-you notes in return.

Teach yourself how to negotiate 

5. Learn to negotiate: Whether it’s your salary, your working hours or the details of a romantic relationship, learn the art of negotiation as early in your life as possible. It’ll help you to create better deals, put up with less sh*t and realise just how valuable you are.

6. Treat everyone with respect: Just because you’re a senior member of staff it doesn’t mean that you should talk down to the intern. Remember: you started out somewhere too. Have respect for everyone, whether they’re your superior or not. Treat others will respect and they’ll treat you just as well.

7. Know your rights: So many of us are completely clueless when it comes to our rights as employees. It’s so important to read up on the things you’re entitled to. Yes, it’s a tough jobs market out there at the minute, but that doesn’t mean that you should allow employers to overwork you and underpay you. Never be afraid to ask for what you deserve by law.

8. Have a hobby: When we first start out in the working world, it’s natural to get a bit obsessed and to work extra hard in order to impress our new employer. That’s all well and good but too much work and not enough fun can result in major amounts of stress and unhappiness.

Find something that you love outside of work and commit to doing it at least one night a week. Whether it’s playing hockey, painting or taking a yoga class, treat yourself to it and see the time spent doing your chosen activity as an investment in your mental health.