So you got hired in GIS… now what? First Thing: STAY HIRED… 3 EASY TIPS NOW!

I love geographic information systems! The creativity in map design, the science of spatial analysis, and the cross-industry power are amazing.

I was recently asked about my book “Double Your GIS Job Interviews NOW” and how it has helped people get hired faster. The question was asked by a friend of mine

 “Sure you can get hired fast… but can you stay hired?”

That is a fantastic question! A question that I had to think about for a few days.

Getting hired and staying hired are two different things. Each takes different skills sets complexity, and different approaches. 

In my book, I teach you how to apply to GIS jobs with step-by-step tips on how to get noticed and be hired fast. I teach you to think like the people hiring you. I teach you to approach your application like a job.

Knowing these things are half the battle when getting hired… and I love saying… 

But staying hired is a different game to play. That is why many companies have a probationary period of 2 to 3 months after they hire you.

They have this probationary period… so they can FIRE you… FAST.

Upwards to 78% of people lie during the hiring process… THAT IS HUGE and most likely includes you.

Employers know you lie. Employers know that you know that they know that you lie. Employers know that you know that they know that you know that you lie. 

NOW! If you have read my books, you will know I am all about SHOWING what you can do. This means you have used the techniques I teach in my books, you are already ahead of the other people looking for jobs simply by SHOWING your skills. 

You use my book, get hired, and then start your 3 month probation period… now what?

Here are 3 simple steps you need to do in your probationary period to stay hired.

Give Your Boss/Supervisor More Than What They Ask for.

This might seem a bit obvious, but it isn’t. The reason? Most people just do the job they are asked to do.

It is about always adding value, and this is something you have to do right out of the gate.

Here are a few things you can do to add value to your GIS

• Add statistics to your analysis.
• Add updated symbology to your web map.
• Use better graphics when presenting your results.

This isn’t just about keeping the company that hired you happy, it is about you pushing your skills to stay hireable. Remember… you have 3 months of probation… that can easily let you go.

Make Friends With Your Coworkers FAST.

People tend to not fire friends or, at the very least, friends are last on the list when the time comes to be fired.

Offer to get coffee or tea, have 1 lunch a week with office people, and ask questions about what others are doing in the company. This is actually the hardest for me. I am a “nose to the grindstone” worker. I have to work on this one all the time.

A supervisor would rather keep a competent worker who works well with others, than a great worker who no one likes. 

Skills can and do trump personal connections… but personal connections will be the icing on the cake to keep your job.

Give ALL credit to your team and supervisor.

I am not saying “kiss butt” here, what I am saying is be humble that whatever you do in the first 3-6 months, has all to do with the fact your team is working and your supervisor saw your potential.

A job is not one person. A job is multiple people working and collaborating together.

When you give credit to your supervisor for the work that has been done, even by you, you are acknowledging that you are all in this together. That means teamwork. That means you are a GREAT fit for the company.

You have 3 months probation to stay hired… work smart, not hard.