Have you just started in a new job at your company? Been promoted? Transferred? Or joined a new company? Watch out for that first year; it's a killer. This is one of the things we learned from a recent survey of 223 recruiters. According to respondents, a shocking 18 percent of managers - nearly one in five - don't survive their first year in a new job.

This is sobering. But you can avoid ending up as a first-year casualty by following these guidelines as you begin in your new job:

1. Forget the Honeymoon

Given increased demands for immediate results, managers are no longer given a "grace period" to learn the ins and outs of the organization. In fact, what you can (and cannot) achieve during the first 90 days on a new job often determines whether you'll ultimately succeed or fail. Unfortunately, many managers fail to realize this. They often spend much of their first three months getting caught up in minor details when what they should be concentrating on is building momentum and advancing broader goals.

2. Balance People With Process

Don't overlook the importance of interpersonal activities and relationship building. Balance interactions with transactions. Get to know your boss, peers and subordinates as soon as possible. This will help you learn the company's culture and gain buy-in on critical decisions that require change.

3. Build Your Team

The people you surround yourself with in the first three months can make or break your transition and thus your chances of surviving the first year. Evaluate each member of your team individually to determine whether or not they're able to meet the demands of the situation. Be prepared to make difficult personnel calls early in order to build the strongest possible support cast.

EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

How Long Do Executives Stay in Their Jobs?

A separate survey we recently conducted reveals the revolving door at the top of corporations is spinning fast. Is this true where you work?

According to the survey of 1,498 executives (including safety directors), corporate leaders are changing companies every 3.6 years - down from 4.1 years in 2002. Despite this increase in turnover, many executives are optimistic about what lies ahead - expecting to remain in their next job 5.4 years.

The Lesson: Long gone are the days of gold watches and lifetime employment. In this corporate climate, you need to be continuously focused on both implementing your company's corporate strategy and developing your own career.

What's on Your Mind?

What career questions are on your mind? I'd like to know. Please e-mail your questions to lfranzoni@execunet.com and I'll try to answer them in the coming weeks.

Wishing you career success!

Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet
www.execunet.com.

SALARY SCORECARD

Occupational Health & Safety Specialists/Technicians

A. GENERAL

Median Annual Earnings: $46,010

• Top 10 Percent: More than $71,450
• Middle 50 Percent: $34,280 - $58,230
• Bottom 10 Percent: Less than $25,080

B. BY INDUSTRY

Median Annual Earnings of Industrial Engineers in:

• State Government: $44,260
• Local Government: $42,430

Note: Figures are from 2002.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SAFETY

By Raul Gutierrez

Before working as a safety coordinator I was a professional driver, making me a witness to many accidents in front of my face. Wanting to help but concerned not to do the wrong thing to worsen the situation, I took a college course to be an emergency medical technician, achieving the intermediate level. I joined a rural fire department. Seeing first hand the devastation to the life and lifestyle of an entire family an accident can provoke is overwhelming. I am a firm believer in seatbelts, helmets and prevention overall. I know that it is painful and costly to repair the damage after an accident.

I find it rewarding and challenging to prepare myself to train others to work properly and to prevent accidents. This is a cutting edge field, in the manufacturing and construction industry. God forbid the day that I say "I know it all." I learn something new and exciting every day.

I can see myself doing this for a very long time.

Raul Gutierrez
Acme Brick
El Paso Texas

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