Welcome back to Guyset! Here are some of my best tips for going to the office. These are for you if you're about to start your first job or internship, are currently in your first job, about to start a new job, or honestly in any job at all. Let me know what you think of these tips in the comments below!

8 Essential Office Tips for Guys Starting Their First Job After College

From Guyset Podcast - A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About

Starting your first job after college can feel overwhelming. Between learning company culture, building relationships, and actually doing the work, there's a lot to navigate. After nearly a year at a startup as a recent grad, here are the essential office tips that will help you not just survive, but thrive in your new workplace.

1. Remove Your Headphones the Moment You Enter the Office

The Rule: Take out AirPods or headphones before walking through the front door.

Why It Matters:

• You never know who you'll encounter—your boss, a client, or a potential mentor

• It shows you're approachable and present

• First impressions matter, and being available for conversation sets a positive tone

Pro tip: This applies to common areas like the kitchen or break room too. Put the phone away and be ready to engage in those "How was your weekend?" conversations, even if they feel repetitive.

2. Master the Coffee Chat

What It Is: A 15-30 minute informal conversation with colleagues to build relationships and learn about the company.

Coffee Chat Questions to Ask:

• "What's the best thing about working here?"

• "What would you change about the company if you could?"

• "Can you explain your role like you're talking to your grandma?"

• "What recent project are you passionate about?"

• "What advice do you have for someone starting out here?"

Your 2-Minute Story Formula: "I got an internship at [Company] and worked on [Project]. Through that experience, I realized I really enjoyed [Skill/Area] and wanted to do more of [Specific Thing]. That led me to apply here, where I'll be working on [Current Role] and hopefully expanding into [Future Goals]."

3. Always Follow Up

The Template:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the time and advice today. I really appreciate it. I was particularly interested in hearing about [Specific Detail from Conversation].

I look forward to staying connected.

Thanks again and best, [Your Name]

Don't Forget: Connect on LinkedIn after the chat. You never know where these relationships will lead.

4. Dress Like You Give a Damn (Even in Casual Offices)

The Mindset: You never know who you'll run into—including that time you're grabbing a LaCroix and suddenly the CEO is right there.

Key Strategy: Pull out your clothes the night before. This Kim Kardashian-approved hack:

• Saves 5-10 minutes in the morning

• Eliminates decision fatigue when you're groggy

• Sets a productive mindset for the next day

• Ensures you always look presentable

5. Find Your Workout Window

The Morning Routine That Works:

• 6:50-7:00 AM: Alarm goes off

• 7:10-7:15 AM: Actually get out of bed

• 7:30 AM: At the gym (bag already packed)

• 8:30-8:45 AM: Start walking to office

• 9:00-9:15 AM: Arrive at work

Benefits of Morning Workouts:

• Preserves your evenings for social plans

• You arrive at work more focused and energized

• Less likely to skip due to after-work plans

• Gives you a "win" regardless of how the workday goes

Reality Check: This won't happen every day. Aim for consistency, not perfection.

6. Ask Questions Without Shame

The Truth: You're supposed to not know things. That's why you're entry-level.

Remember:

• Someone else in the room probably doesn't know either

• Asking questions helps everyone

• It shows you're engaged and want to learn

• "No question is a dumb question" is actually true

7. Be the Problem Solver, Not Just the Problem Pointer

The Difference:

• Problem Pointers: "This is broken/wrong/needs fixing"

• Problem Solvers: "This needs fixing, so I took care of it"

Why It Works: Everyone can spot problems. Few people take initiative to solve them. Be the person who gets things done without making a big show of it.

8. Stay Present and Available

In Practice:

• Put your phone away in common areas

• Make eye contact when walking through the office

• Don't hide behind earbuds all day

• Be ready for spontaneous conversations

The Payoff: Building relationships through small daily interactions often matters more than formal networking events.

The Work-Life Balance Reality Check

Let's be honest—balancing everything is still hard:

• Staying in touch with friends

• Calling family

• Grocery shopping and cooking

• Going on dates

• Working out

• Keeping up with hobbies

The Key: Focus on nailing one thing at a time. Once you establish a workout routine, the other pieces start falling into place.

Small Wins Matter

Some days work will be frustrating. Projects will go wrong. You'll make mistakes. On those days, celebrate the small wins:

• You showed up looking professional

• You got your workout in

• You asked good questions

• You helped solve a problem

These small victories accumulate and build confidence over time.

Common First-Job Mistakes to Avoid

1. Staying in your cubicle/office: Get out and interact with people

2. Not asking for help: Struggling in silence helps no one

3. Overdressing or underdressing: Match the office culture

4. Skipping networking opportunities: Those random conversations matter

5. Not following up: Always close the loop on conversations and meetings

Building Your Professional Brand

Your reputation is built through:

• Reliability: Do what you say you'll do

• Initiative: Solve problems before being asked

• Approachability: Be easy to talk to and work with

• Growth mindset: Show you're eager to learn

Final Thoughts

Starting your first real job is a massive transition. These tips aren't about being perfect—they're about setting yourself up for success through small, consistent actions that compound over time.

Remember: Everyone was new once. The people who succeed aren't necessarily the smartest—they're the ones who build relationships, ask questions, and show up consistently.

Your first job is a learning experience. Be patient with yourself, but also be intentional about building good habits from day one. These small actions will pay dividends throughout your entire career.

For more career advice, productivity tips, and guidance on navigating your 20s, listen to Guyset - A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Send your questions to josh@guyset.com

Hope you enjoy the first full-length episode and check out the first ever interview after this on Guyset.

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See you next Friday.