10 changes to consider in new graduate jobs

Here's my top ten habits to change

• The dodgy ring tone must go! Obscenities yelled by Homer Simpson may sound great on your phone in the students union, or may even get a laugh in the middle of a crowded lecture theatre, but it won't win you any friends in your new office at work. Similarly, a rooster crowing is not really that offensive, and we all like to think we have a sense of humour, but it's a question of appropriateness. I would recommend an ordinary phone ring tone.

• Ditch the jumper knitted by your Mum that you've worn for the last three years. It may hold immeasurable sentimental value, but an item of student clothing worn under your new suit jacket just won't do. In addition, the old suit bought from the charity shop along with the mickey mouse tie worn on any occasion requiring a 'suit' such as a family wedding, will no longer do. By yourself new suits, shirts, ties. Notice the 's' on the of these, it's no longer appropriate in graduate jobs to wear the same all week long, you'll need a few coordinated outfits.

• Buy a raincoat and umbrella. you may be used to the knitted jumper getting when on the way to lectures and then drying out by about lunchtime, but this won't do in your new suit. Turning up like a drowned rat is not becoming of a new graduate employee.

• Take a shower, every morning. It's no joke but smelling like a farmer during the bailing season won't win you a pay rise or your first promotion. Get it wrong here and it's not only unpleasant for others but will be career limiting. If you suffer badly, carry a deodorant in your bag.

• Gentlemen, shave 'everyday'. As a student, the Gillette bill could be large shaving everyday. Unless you normally wear a full beard, a clean shaven appearance is the norm.

• Brush your teeth after breakfast. You won't be used to rushing in the mornings, but don't forget to brush your teeth after you eat. The remains of your bacon sandwich are not a great sight as you flash your first smile of the day, along with the gust of odour, which may not match the pleasantness of the odour of your sandwich before it entered your mouth.

• Turn up on time. Turning up late was certainly fashionable when I was a student, but not at work. If you're looking to make an impression, the right one! turn up slightly early, and allow for delays.

• Go for a 'professional' hair style. A head which resembles road kill carefully held in place by half a tub of gel may well have been all the rage as a student, but it will attract attention fo rth wrong reasons once into a reputable profession.

• Clean you shoes. You may have to get up a little earlier, but you've wasted the money on your new suit, and the extra time you've spent showering, brushing your teeth and doing your hair if your shoes are covered in mud with scuff marks all over. You may find yourself looking at the crown of your colleagues head as their gaze is drawn downwards.

• Avoid heavy drinking during the week. After a heavy night, the smell of alcohol can remain for 24 hours. The problem is, to the recipient, they may think you have a hip flask in your pocket at work, and this doesn't paint a pretty picture. This also the fact that hangovers are not conducive to good work.

If you've just started a new graduate job, congratulations. Now may be time to ditch some of those old student habits and replace them with some boring and mundane traits that will make you fit in with the rest of us.

Good luck