AskLB: What should a young adult focus on in the first 30 days to make a strong impression at a new job? • Brand stories

AskLB

AskLB brings local experts to the questions people actually have. This week: first jobs and workplace success, with Merge Opportunities.

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What should a young adult focus on in the first 30 days to make a strong impression at a new job?

KEY TAKEAWAY

Don’t try to be perfect. Be dependable, coachable, and curious.

Featuring Erin Earlywine, CEO, Merge Opportunities
This one’s about: First jobs • Professional habits • Communication • Confidence
Why you should care: The first month is when managers decide whether they can rely on you, and whether they want to continue investing in you.

ERIN’S ANSWER

I always tell young adults: don’t try to be perfect. Focus on being dependable, coachable, and curious.

Nail the basics that build trust fast

When it boils down to it, it’s simple: show up, listen, take responsibility. Employers aren’t expecting you to know everything in your first job. They want to see that you’re paying attention and taking the work seriously. Showing up five minutes early goes a long way. Take notes. Write things down.

Don’t stay quiet. Ask questions

If you’re unsure, say so. Ask questions instead of guessing.

One thing I see is that some young adults stay quiet because they think it makes them look mature, like they already know what they’re doing. That can backfire. The person who asks questions and raises their hand is showing ownership, not incompetence. “Am I doing this right?” “Can you walk me through this?” That kind of communication builds trust fast.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Asking Questions is a Power Move

According to research published in Management Science, people who ask for advice are often seen as more competent than people who stay quiet and try to figure it out alone. A thoughtful question can signal confidence and a focus on getting it right, especially when you’re new.

Keep your focus tight in the beginning

In those first 30 days, try not to let personal stress take over your workday. At Merge, many of the young adults we serve are facing real barriers like transportation issues, housing instability, or family responsibilities. Those things are real, and they’re not easy. But early on, it helps to keep the focus on building your reputation: consistent, a good communicator, and someone who wants to be there.

I hear “dependability” over and over from employers right now, and honestly, that’s true for everyone. Skills can be taught. A good attitude, being on time, and being coachable are habits that require no talent, and they’re what make you successful in the first 30 days.

GOT A LEAD?

Merge’s JobRaiser campaign invites employers and community members to open doors through jobs, introductions, and leads.

KEEP GOING

→ What’s the number one thing managers can do in Week 1 to help a young hire succeed?

→ What are the “unspoken rules” at work that trip up young people the most?

MADE POSSIBLE BY

How Merge helps a first job “stick”

Merge prepares young adults for work before placement, then stays alongside both the employee and the employer after they’re hired—so early issues don’t become dealbreakers. The goal is a strong match, clear expectations, and long-term growth.

GOT A LEAD?

Merge’s JobRaiser campaign invites employers and community members to open doors through jobs, introductions, and leads.

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AskLB editions are sponsorship-supported and produced separately from the Long Beach Post newsroom. Produced by Angle Content & Strategy, the Post’s strategic branded content partner.

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ASKLB EXPERT

Erin Earlywine

CEO, Merge Opportunities