Succeeding in the World of Work

Chapter 8: Beginning a New Job

Chapter Summaries with Key Terms and Academic Vocabulary

Section 8.1 Summary
You can prepare for a new job by managing stress and anxiety and learning from the company culture. The company culture is the behavior attitudes, values, and habits of a company’s employees and owners. You can learn the company culture by listening to and observing your coworkers. Some companies help new employees learn policies and procedures through orientation programs. Company policies explain what the company expects of new employees and what employees can expect from the company.

Section 8.2 Summary
What you can expect from your employer changes over time. Methods of payment include hourly wages, salary, and commission. Workers often also receive benefits, such as health insurance or convenience benefits. Employee performance reviews may influence raises and promotions. Some employers have probation periods for new employees. Employee termination may result from poor worker performance or slow business. You should always be prepared for possible job loss.

Key Terms
company culture
orientation
mentor
wage
overtime
nonexempt employees
exempt employees
salary
commission
profit-sharing plan
performance bonuses
pension plan
performance review
probation
layoff

Academic Vocabulary
strategy
appropriate
incentive
terminate