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No One Ever Said It Would Be Easy! What You Can Expect Once You Land Your First Job

Good PAs and Assistants Are Worth Their Weight in Gold

There is never a shortage of people willing to take entry-level positions, and as previously mentioned, exceptionally good PAs, “gofers” or runners, assistants, receptionists, mailroom workers, pages and apprentices are extremely rare. Being one of the good ones is the very best way to differentiate yourself from your competition. Walking into your new job, prepared and knowing what’s expected of you, will not only impress your new employers, it will be a great relief to them as well. Add the right attitude and a large dose of extra effort, giving them more than what’s required or expected, and you’ll soon be totally indispensable and someone they will definitely want to keep around.

This chapter will allow you to be one step ahead by knowing what to expect when you get your first job.

Basic Job Responsibilities

When you start in an entry-level position, whether it’s in a mailroom, at an agency desk, a studio, post production facility, production office, casting office, network or any other industry-related company, the following are some of the tasks you will most likely be asked to do:

• Answer phones and keep a phone log.
• Place phone calls for your supervisor (this is often called “rolling calls,” because the assistant is expected to start lining up the next call as his boss is winding down the previous call). (Knowing how to use Filemaker Pro would be helpful for this as most phone sheets and call logs are done this way.)
• Set up appointments and screenings, make lunch reservations and travel arrangements—and sometimes, remake them and remake them again and then remake them once again. (Knowing how to use scheduling systems such as Outlook, Lotus and Now Up-To-Date would be very beneficial for this.)
• Help with your boss’ electronics, such as programming cell phones and synching up and charging PDAs, two-way radios and Blackberries.
• Type and distribute letters and memos. (You should be proficient in Microsoft Word.)
• Distribute incoming mail and paperwork (scripts, schedules, memos, budgets, videotapes, CDs, etc.) and vital information.
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail.
• Do research (credits, bios, resumes, stock footage, etc.).
• Oversee shipping and receiving (by keeping logs, distributing incoming packages, preparing waybills, etc.)
• Oversee the upkeep and maintenance of the office machines (copier, fax, computers, printers, etc.).
• Run errands (deliver scripts, make airport runs, pick up supplies, etc.).
• Photocopy (scripts, schedules, call sheets, production reports, etc.).
• Duplicate videotapes and burn CDs.
• File.
• Fax.
• Keep the office tidy.
• Move furniture and equipment.
• Make coffee.
• Take lunch orders and fetch food.
• Shop for food and snacks (for the office, for meetings and for your boss).
• Prepare the conference room for meetings.
• Keep a well-stocked kitchen area.
• Clean the office kitchen and wash coffee mugs.
• Order office supplies.
• Carry equipment and supplies.
• Help staff members unload their cars.
• Personal chores: these duties could range from shopping for others in the office who are too busy to get out themselves to washing your boss’ car, walking his dog or running his errands (bank, cleaners, lunch, tennis racquet repair, gas station, dog groomers, etc.).

If you’re working as a PA on a set, you might be asked to do anything from the above list, or any one of the following:

• Guard the set’s perimeter.
• Wrangle extras and/or children.
• Inform actors they’re needed on set.
• Pick up an actor, producer or director and drive him or her to the set each day (and then back at the end of their work day).
• Help to keep the set clean.
• If allowed, pitch in to help the crew when necessary.
• Help wrap a set at the end of the day.

Come Equipped

The following are some things you should have with you when you start your new job.

• A well-running car
• Auto insurance (in most states, a person’s own insurance is primary)
• A membership in an auto club that covers roadside emergencies
• An accurate watch
• A cell phone and/or a pager
• A map book
• A pad of paper and pen (try to use the yellow ruled tablets that are perforated at the top. That way the sheets can’t fall out and get lost)
• A day planner (or PDA)
• Comfortable shoes
• Extra clothes (sweatshirt, jacket, etc.) kept in the trunk of your car (for layering as the weather changes)
• A flashlight

More important than what you bring to any new job is showing up well groomed. You’re probably thinking to yourself right now, “Duh! Isn’t that common sense?” Sadly, no. You’d be surprised how many people show up looking rumpled or in need of a shower. Well groomed doesn’t mean wearing the latest, most expensive fashions, but it does mean you should be clean, neat and presentable. And dress appropriately. You wouldn’t wear hard or high-heeled shoes on a sound stage or out at most location sites, but rather soft-soled shoes or tennies. And within a production environment, flip-flops or open-toed sandals can be just as dangerous as high heels. And you can dress fun or chic, but until your phone is ringing off the hook with job offers or you’ve become famous because your films are making a fortune, avoid extreme styles.

Proper Phone Etiquette

If part of your job is answering phones and taking messages, don’t underestimate the importance of this task. It takes someone who is bright, quick and patient to do it well. Doing a good job on the phones will gain you extra brownie points and get you noticed.On the other hand, you could be the brightest kid on your block, but sounding dour instead of upbeat, terse instead of friendly, or unsure instead of competent can quickly negate all the positive qualities you have to offer.

Here are some phone tips:

• Be polite, pleasant and upbeat.
• Be professional.
• If several lines are ringing at once, don’t let them all just ring while you’re on another line. Stop to answer each line and ask the callers to please hold.
• Don’t leave people on hold for too long. If the person they’re waiting to talk to is on another call, give them the option of holding a while longer or being called back. If they choose to hold, check back in with them every once in a while, so they know they haven’t been forgotten. Also make sure they want to continue holding.
• Don’t yell across the room for someone to pick up a line before putting your caller on hold.
• Take the time to get names right, and ask the caller to spell his name if in doubt. (It’s terribly embarrassing to return a call to someone when his name or number hasn’t been written down correctly.)
• Screen calls: ask who it is and what it’s regarding and help answer questions when you can without having to interrupt your supervisor.
• Don’t be afraid to ask; get as much information as you can from the person calling:

  Who do they need to talk to?

  Where  are they calling from?

  What  is their phone number?

  When  can they be called back?

• If a caller asks if your supervisor is in, don’t automatically say “Yes, just a moment,” and then upon finding out that your supervisor doesn’t want to or can’t talk to this person at that particular time, come back and use the old “he’s in a meeting” line. Instead, when asked if he’s in, it’s safer to tell the caller you’ll check  if he’s available. You would then report that you’re sorry, but he’s not available at the moment and could someone else help the caller, or can the call be returned later? This way, you’re not having to imply that your supervisor is purposely trying to avoid the call.
• Be considerate, empathetic and as helpful as possible to people who are calling to look for work, and never forget that it could be you on the other end of that phone.

No matter where you’re working, it’s best to answer the phone in the manner expected in that office/environment, but always add “(your first name) speaking” or “this is (your first name).” In production offices, for example, very rarely will you hear someone answer the phone with the name of the show. They usually just answer by declaring, “Production!” It’s much friendlier to have someone greet you with, “Production, this is Katie,” and it’s nice to know whom you’re talking to.

Know Who You’re Answering To

If you end up working in a heavily-populated environment (like a mailroom, production office or on a set), you’ll find you have a lot of people telling you what to do or asking you to do things for them. You’ll need to address this issue when you get hired, at which time, you’ll ask (or be told) whom you will be answering to. It should be no more than two people, and ideally, it will be one individual only.

It’s totally counter-productive to respond to many, because while everyone thinks his or her immediate need is of the utmost importance, you’re not only running around like a headless chicken, you may be completely unaware of current priorities or the fact that your supervisor is waiting for you to return to handle a more urgent task.

If all requests, however, go through your supervisor, she should know at all times where you’re most needed. Therefore, if someone asks you to do something, don’t do it without checking with your supervisor first, and don’t ever just say “no,” you can’t or you’re not allowed to take orders from others. Politely explain that it will be taken care of, and relay the request to your supervisor. She will then juggle tasks between you and other PAs/assistants/clerks to make sure everything gets done in a timely manner.

When I set up a production office, I put out “Request for Pickup/Delivery” slips that department heads, Accounting and the producer and director’s assistants can fill out and submit. The assistant production coordinator usually evaluates all the requests and schedules the PAs’ time, so everything is covered in the most time-effective manner possible.

What to Do When Starting a New Job

• Be happy to be there, because even though it probably won’t feel like it, this is the first step (or a continuation) of your journey, and you’re on your way.
• Introduce yourself to everyone. Shake hands and make eye contact.
• Make sure you have keys to the building and office and all necessary security codes.
• Learn who everyone is. Memorize staff, cast, crew and vendor lists.
• Read the script, office manual and anything else you can get your hands on to familiarize yourself with the project you’re working on, the company you’re working for and the people you’re working with.
• Become a sponge! Pay attention to everything going on around you, and soak up whatever you can. Get the lingo down, the procedures and the routines. Take notice of where the power lies and who’s really doing what. You may not be in the rooms where the deals or decisions are being made, but you’ll overhear phone calls, pick up on bits of conversations throughout the office and by the coffee machine and get a glance at incoming memos hot off the fax machine. Take notes, read anything you can get your hands on, ask questions, be observant and just absorb as much as you can. It’s all around you for the taking, as long as your radar is up.
• Ask about preferences (how should you be answering the phone, how does your boss like certain things arranged or handled, what sort of snacks does she prefer, etc.).
• If you are going to be sent on errands (or “runs” as they’re more commonly referred to), find out the places you’ll be going to the most, and make sure you know how to get there.
• Get used to going everywhere with a note pad and pen. If your boss calls you into his office, make sure you’re always prepared to take notes. Get used to writing down anything you need to remember, to do, to save or to track.
• Learn how to use the phone system and office machines (copier, fax, network printers and preferred computer software), as well as the office-issued cell phones and pagers.
• Learn office/mailroom/set/studio protocol and get a sense of the prevailing politics as soon as possible.

What Not to Do When Starting a New Job

• Don’t ever tell anyone you just completed an expensive education at film school so you wouldn’t have to do things like run errands and wash coffee cups.
• Don’t openly criticize others, the way the project (or company) is being run or decisions that are being made. I once had a PA who, in front of an entire office full of people, declared that the producer had no business treating people so badly. Another show, another PA, upon answering the phone loudly announced, “That (bleep, bleep) writer is on the phone.” It’s not your place to make those types of comments. You’re entitled to your opinions, but they’re not to be voiced publicly. If it’s imperative that you express such an opinion to someone, talk to your supervisor in private.
• Don’t whine (“Do I have to?”), don’t roll your eyes and don’t groan when asked to do something you don’t particularly want to do.
• Don’t make excuses. If you’ve made a mistake, admit the error and offer to fix it. Let your supervisor know the mistake won’t happen again.
• Don’t complain to anyone but your supervisor (and only in private).
• If you have a problem with the way a co-worker is treating you, don’t yell or be rude. Talk to that person in private.
• Don’t bad-mouth your supervisor or co-workers. It will come back to bite you in the butt.
• Don’t gossip about your supervisor or co-workers.
• Don’t display a cocky, know-it-all attitude.
• Don’t be argumentative or interrupt others’ conversations.
• Don’t make your supervisor have to come find you.
• Don’t go over your supervisor’s head.
• If you don’t have an answer, don’t say, “I don’t know.” Say “I’ll find out.”
• Don’t assume—ask. There is no such thing as a dumb question!
• Don’t spend time on personal phone calls, unless it’s of the utmost urgency.
• Don’t ever say, “It’s not my job” or “I’m too busy.”
• Don’t sit or stand around with nothing to do.
• Don’t make too many weeknight plans, and don’t ask to leave early unless it’s an emergency.

Becoming Indispensable

• No matter what you’re asked to do, do it willingly and with a smile. Be a “can do” type of person and the first to say, “No problem, I’ll take care of that for you!” Be the best gofer, receptionist, photocopier, mail-sorter, lunch-getter anyone’s ever seen. Give it your all. Do more than anyone would possibly expect of you.
• Follow through! When asked to do a task, let your supervisor know when it’s been completed (before he asks you). If you can’t get to that task right away (for whatever reason), let your supervisor know as soon as possible, so he can assign it to someone else. When someone is counting on you to complete an assignment, don’t wait until you’re asked to say you couldn’t do it or didn’t have time.
• Taking “follow through” in a slightly different direction: if you are asked to do something and you run into a road block—can’t get  an answer, can’t find something or reach someone—look for ways around the road block. There’s usually more than one way to obtain the information you need or to find what or whom you’re looking for. Ask your co-workers, contacts and/or friends for advice and search out resources on the Internet and in reference books. In some situations, “no” just isn’t an alternative; and you have to find a way to make something happen. But if your supervisor allows you a little leeway and you’ve absolutely exhausted all your resources and are still at a dead end, let him know ASAP, so he can give you some suggestions or possibly alter his directions a bit.
• Anticipate the needs of others, and be one step ahead of them. For example, years ago when I was coordinating, Phil Wylly yelled from the other room, “I can’t find Dick Church’s number. Can you please get it for me?” Well, I not only walked into his office with Dick’s number, but under the number I had written, “Dick’s wife’s name is Jeannie.” He had spoken to Jeannie before, but I knew he’d forgotten her name; and if she were to be the one to answer the phone, I knew he’d want to be able to say “Hi, Jeannie . . . ”
• Be polite, don’t be loud and don’t use vulgar language.
• Be sensitive to the needs of the person you’re working for.
• Be a good listener.
• When your “to do” list becomes overwhelming, prioritize each individual task, and ask yourself how each task will affect that day’s work—and then the next day’s work. What has to be prepared before the 10:00 a.m. conference call your boss has scheduled? What has to be completed before the FedEx guy shows up at 5:00 p.m.? What has to be done before you go home for the day? What has to be prepared for the next day’s work? If you don’t have a good sense of priorities, go through the list with your supervisor, and let him help you organize your list.
• Before you go home each evening, go through that day’s “to do” list with your supervisor and report on the status of each item on the list. Ask him what’s on tap for the next day.
• Be willing (and eager) to come in early and stay after hours, without being asked!
• Let your supervisor know where you are at all times. Check in often when out.
• When  you’re done with a task and have nothing else to do, ask what you can do next. Volunteer to help others in the office, find a need and fill it (clean the copy and kitchen areas, check for faxes, make sure the copier, fax machine(s) and office printers are all fully stocked with paper, make a fresh pot of coffee, etc.). Never just sit and wait for something to do.
• When anything changes, be aware of the domino effect, and consider the other aspects of the production/project that will need to be altered as well.
• Check the copying you do to make sure all pages are there and in the correct order, each page is completely legible, the holes are on the correct (left) side and all pages that are supposed to be stapled are (you’d be surprised how many people don’t check).

The Reliability Factor

It will not only be crucial for you to master new tasks with each new job, but also to establish yourself as someone who’s reliable and dependable, a person others can count on, no matter what. If, on the other hand, you tend to be a bit flaky, too free spirited, don’t take direction well or are less than punctual, your days in this business will most likely be numbered.

When you’re given a time to show up for work, be there on time, or preferably early. (Coming in early and staying later than expected will always earn you extra recognition.) Your supervisors and co-workers will be relying on you to help get the day started, the scripts out, the calls made, the appointments set, the phones answered, the conference room set up for a big meeting. Few things make a worse impression on an employer than tardiness, unless it’s habitual tardiness (although it rarely gets to that point, because people get fired all the time for being late).

If you know you’re going to be late, call your supervisor as soon as you realize you won’t be showing up on time. If you have a legitimate reason, and it’s a rare occurrence, you should be fine.

Being reliable entails having a well-running car, a dependable alarm clock, an accurate watch and the ability to find your way around without getting lost. It means having taken care of as many personal obligations as you could before starting your new job, so you don’t have to try to squeeze them in or ask for time off once you’re on the job. Whether it’s for doctors’ appointments, having your car tuned-up or taking off early to attend a class, asking for personal time off isn’t as accepted in most entertainment jobs as it is in other lines of work, because the work is generally intense, and your not being there could be problematic.

Being reliable is following through on tasks, no matter how many road blocks you encounter along the way, anticipating the needs of others and possessing a general ability to take and follow orders (without complaint, argument or attitude).

Another way to earn a reputation for being reliable is by offering to help others with any special skills you may have. No matter where I end up working, because of my lack of computer skills, I’m always in search of someone I can rely on to help me with my computer. It’s the same way when a co-worker speaks a foreign language and becomes indispensable when working on a location where that language is spoken. It’s easy to become reliant on those with special skills and abilities as well as those who are just always there for the people they work for and with.

A Sense of Urgency

Expect to perform your tasks faster than a speeding bullet, because everyone will expect you to have a sense of urgency. There’s nothing worse than a rookie who doesn’t move or work quickly even after you explain the need for him to do so. I could have discussed this under Becoming Indispensable, but it deserved its own section, just because it’s such an important part of what’s expected of every entry-level employee.

It’s been my experience that no matter how big the budget, the company, the office or the set, there never seems to be enough help or enough time. In production especially (although I’ve seen equally frenetic mailrooms, casting agencies, agents’ offices and post facilities), it always feels as if there is more to do than there is time in the day to do it all, so we rapidly move from one task to another and keep working until we hit a wall and then drag ourselves home for the night. A PA or assistant doesn’t have the luxury of leisurely strolling through his or her duties, because there is always more waiting to be done, even if it’s not evident at the moment. If on the rare occasion there is truly nothing more to do after a certain task is accomplished, there will be, because that’s just the nature of the biz.

This doesn’t mean that work is done carelessly, cars are driven too fast or time can’t be taken to ask questions or to be courteous, but whenever possible, move quickly! There’s too much to do, and time is too valuable to waste.

Keep in mind that an entry-level employee who doesn’t move quickly or one who spends too much time on personal calls or has too much idle time is an employee who looks as if he doesn’t have enough to do and can be easily eliminated.

Accepting Boundaries

On a movie for television I once worked on, I was asked to hire the wife of the producer’s friend (who also happened to be a producer) to assist me. After having established a career in another business, she had taken several years off to stay home and raise her children. This was her first job back in the work force, and she was more than eager to jump into the thick of things. Let’s call her Jane. Anyway, Jane was a take-charge kind of person used to making decisions and giving orders, which turned out to be much more problematic than helpful since her position rarely allowed her to make any major decisions. She found it extremely restrictive to have to check with me first before giving out certain types of information, but as I kept explaining to her—what may seem obvious isn’t always the case. She didn’t yet have the experience, nor did she usually have all the facts to make an informed decision. While checking with me first was not an unreasonable request, Jane strove for some autonomy and paid little attention to my directions.

Every day when Jane’s kids arrived home from school, they called her at the office to check in, and I’d hear her ask them if they’d done their homework and chores. When one of them would argue with her or question what he had just been asked to do, she would emphatically reply, “because I said so, and I’m the mom!” Well, one afternoon when I wasn’t in the office, Jane gave out some information without checking with me first, and as it happens, the information was incorrect. Not only that, but it was a costly mistake that got both of us in trouble. Once the dust settled, I sat her down and simply said, “Jane . . . in this office–I’m the mom.” She got it—finally.

Being resourceful, reliable and indispensable are all things you should strive for, but don’t go too far by overstepping your bounds, even if you think you’re ready. You have to know who your “mom” is and when to defer to the guidelines imposed by others. If you’re working for someone you’re comfortable with, it’s perfectly okay for you to ask if you might take on a task that falls outside your sphere of responsibility or to ask for an explanation as to why a specific decision was made (so you can learn). But don’t just assume it’s okay for you to make decisions or give out vital information without checking with your supervisor first—even if you are bright, talented and bursting to have more authority, because as I said to Jane, you may not be aware of all the facts that have to be taken into consideration before decisions are made or certain info is released.

Also keep in mind that even if you are aware of all the facts and have the experience to make a well-informed decision, don’t usurp your supervisor’s authority. For no other reason, respect your chain of command, which even on teams, does exist. And whether your instincts are right or wrong, you’ll always win the trust of your supervisors if you keep them in the loop.

Working Around Celebrities

Once you start working in the biz, your days as a “fan,” while not over, will change forever. Your enthusiasm for being around celebrities must be greatly restrained, because if you’re going to be working around the powerful and famous, your job will be as support staff, not as a devotee in search of an autograph. When meeting a celebrity for the first time, it’s okay to say something like, “It’s a pleasure meeting you. I’m a big admirer of your work.” But leave it at that, and go no further. No matter how cool it is to be working around an idol of yours, you need to remain professional, helpful and respectful of their privacy. You’re not there to badger them with questions, or gossip or to act like a star-struck fan. Nor should you assume a sense of self importance because of your proximity to a famous person. If you’re working with or around a celebrity who wishes to become your bud, you’ll know it; but don’t overstep your bounds, and even then, tread lightly.

My very first job in the industry was as a production assistant on a celebrity fund-raising auction for a local PBS television station. One day, the woman in charge of lining up high-profile personalities for a promo event asked me to follow up on invitations that had been sent out. She wanted me to call a long list of celebrities who hadn’t RSVP’d to the event to see if they’d be coming. My first reaction was sheer terror, followed by the words “I can’t do that!” She said, “Of course you can,” then handed me the list and walked away. Well, my dread quickly dissipated when I discovered that the people I was calling weren’t answering their own phones, and some of the numbers weren’t even theirs, but belonged to their “people.” I was greatly relieved to be getting secretaries, assistants, agents, managers and answering services on the line and was happy to be able to leave a message with each of them.

About a week later, as I was returning back from lunch, a co-worker stuck her head over the second floor railing where our production offices were located and yelled down at me, “Hurry up, you have a phone call.” I asked if she knew who it was, to which she replied, “I don’t know—some guy.” So I ran up the stairs, and slightly out of breath, answered my call, only to hear this very recognizable voice on the other end say, “Hi, is this Eve? This is Henry Fonda returning your phone call.” It took me a moment to speak, but I finally got the words out. We talked about the upcoming promo event, the fund-raising auction, what he wanted to donate to the auction and about how much he enjoyed the station’s programming. I was professional; I thanked him, hung up and then went absolutely nuts. I screamed, I jumped up and down and I yelled at the top of my lungs, “I just spoke to Henry Fonda!!!!!” I’m sure everyone on the lot could hear me.

It was so many years ago, but I was so excited and had been such a huge fan of his. I still smile every time I think about what a thrill it was to talk to him. And as many celebrities as I’ve talked to and have worked with (and there have been many) in all these years since, Henry Fonda will always be my favorite, because he was my first.

Beware! Warning! Bumpy Road Ahead!

While most entry-level jobs are synonymous with an industry-style boot camp, the regimen takes some getting used to and the experience may not be quite what you expected. They can also be challenging and exciting times that present you with a whole new world of possibilities. And most of the individuals you’ll be working with and reporting to, while expecting a lot, are decent people. Not all will have enough time to thoroughly train you, but some will assign their underlings to train you, and many will cut you some slack while you master your learning curve. Unfortunately, though, some employers are not as generous, and some take the term paying dues to a whole new level. I hope you’re lucky enough to avoid the latter, but should it not happen that way, don’t be surprised.

Being the lowest man or woman on the totem pole, you may be required to work endless hours of overtime (often without extra pay) or sixth and seventh days. You’ll be working your butt off for slave wages and may end up wondering how you’re going to make next month’s rent. You may very well be expected to forego a lunch hour and regularly scheduled breaks to eat at your desk or on-thego. And don’t expect much recognition or expressions of gratitude for all your efforts. If you get it, great, but everyone’s busy and few will take the time to thank you for doing what’s expected.

Not being in a union or someone who makes the big bucks, you’ll be much easier to take advantage of and exploit than anyone else on the staff or crew. Not that this happens all the time, but it’s certainly not uncommon. You may be asked to haul heavy pieces of equipment that are almost bigger than you are, deliver scripts to unfamiliar and poorly lit neighborhoods after dark, spend an entire day detailing your boss’ car or pull an all-nighter working with a crazed writer who has to churn out vital script changes for the next morning’s shoot–all tasks you never imagined would be part of your job description.

You’ll also be an easy target for blame and bad moods and are likely to get yelled and screamed at by people who are incredibly impatient, under incredible amounts of stress and can’t for the life of them remember your name—so they’ll call for you by yelling, “Hey, kid!” Too bad they can’t remember what it was like when they got their first job in the business. And while there’s no excuse for bad behavior and treating others poorly (no matter what their position), there are (unfortunately) individuals in our industry who find newbies totally expendable and easy to replace (which isn’t entirely untrue). I’ve known producers who are notorious for being so hard on their assistants, they go through them almost as often as they change their underwear. Some last a little longer than others, but while working for people like that, few last long. If not fired, many voluntarily leave.

Over the years, and especially in the beginning of my career, I had more than my share of getting yelled at and being underappreciated and overworked to the point of sheer exhaustion. I’ve gone home crying, totally deflated, devoid of any self-esteem, suffering with gastritis and wondering how I could have ever thought I wanted to be in this business, yet something always kept me coming back and moving ahead.

I go into this in more detail in Chapter 16, but should you find yourself in this unfamiliar and scary territory, you have a few choices, two of which are: you can quickly develop a thick skin and learn not to take these assaults personally, or if your working conditions become too unbearable, you can always quit. You don’t want to make a habit of quitting jobs, but rarely would a future employer hold this against you, especially if your previous employer is known to be a screamer or someone exceptionally hard on his or her assistants.

Relax and Lighten Up

When you find yourself obsessing about whether you’re doing a good enough job, if you’re moving fast enough, when you’re going to screw up again or just how you’re going to survive your first job, take a step back, take a deep breath, stop worrying so much and lighten up! Don’t stop giving it your all, but at the same time, give yourself permission to walk around with a smile on your face. Above all, retain your sense of humor. If you don’t have much of a sense of humor to begin with, acquire one. Learn to laugh at your own mistakes and at the absurdity around you (without offending anyone of course); be open and approachable; retain an easygoing, light-hearted, fun persona (without going overboard) and you’ll be the person others will be drawn to. You’ll be the one who stands out, and your magnetic personality will serve you well throughout your entire career.

When you start an entry-level job, no one will expect you to have much experience, but you will be expected to jump right in—get involved, learn as much as you can as quickly as you can, have a great attitude, move fast, anticipate the needs of others and be there to help and support your co-workers.

It could take six months or three years to start moving up from the lowest rung on the ladder, but if you’re patient, it’ll happen. Come in earlier and stay later than required, finish tasks sooner than expected, give more and do more than you’re asked, and eventually, instead of just helping and doing things for others, you’ll have others wanting to help you. Don’t complain, keep a smile on your face and an imaginary “Can Do” written across your forehead. Forget that you’re overqualified to be making coffee and delivering scripts and picking up the bagels and cream cheese for the morning meeting. You’re there to learn and to get noticed. Be prepared and walk in with confidence, because you know what’s expected of you, and you’re there to deliver.