In your first job? It’s vital to ask questions

While you’ve probably heard there’s no such thing as a stupid question, there is a difference between asking the right questions and the wrong ones, particularly if you want to get ahead at work. Just ask ChatGPT. No, seriously.

As generative AI infiltrates industries outside of manufacturing and tech—Accenture recently revealed that 40% of all working hours could be impacted by generative AI tools—it is becoming increasingly important to know how to utilize emerging technologies and the various tools that can boost productivity.

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And how successful you are hinges on how good your prompts or questions are, as per a recent study by Harvard Business Review.

It found that workers who manage to harness AI’s capabilities through asking the right questions are able to achieve next-level work.

Collaboration is key

However, generative AI is just one piece of the puzzle, and developing your soft skills via asking questions is another vital step in your professional development.

According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2023 report, soft skills such as analytical thinking, creative thinking and resilience, flexibility and agility are some of the most important workplace skills of the future.

The only way to hone your soft skills is by asking questions—of yourself and of the business you’re working for.

Known as catalytic questions, for example asking “what if?” instead of “why?”, it’s paramount to nurture good relationships with your colleagues, more senior members of staff and your direct line manager so you can keep the lines of communication open and foster a collaborative working environment.

That being said, sometimes, no matter how many questions you ask or how engaged you are, your enthusiasm to learn and grow might not be matched by the company you are working for.

And if you feel as if you’ve achieved everything there is to achieve in your current position, it might be time to move on to your next opportunity.

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If that is the case, the Study International Jobs Board is the perfect place to start your search. It features thousands of junior and entry-level positions across the U.S., including the three below.

Business Development Associate, Dunmore, United States

Dunmor is a direct lender for residential and multi-family real estate investors and specializes in senior-debt financing with products such as bridge loans, value-add loans, new construction loans, and permanent portfolio loans. It is recruiting a Business Development Associate at the start of their career to assist loan officers with sales activities. In this role you will conduct outbound sales calls to schedule appointments, achieve weekly quotas for outbound call volume and call conversion, and maintain regular, scheduled contact with prospects and existing borrowers via calls, emails, and other means. View additional details here.

Sales – Entry Level, Trinity Solar Care, Waltham

Trinity Solar Care has created a personal development program for Entry Level Sales Representatives that is designed to bring out the best in your sales skills. If you want to work for a company with purpose and get paid a base salary with commissions, while growing a stable sales career, this could be the opportunity you’re looking for. Day to day you will generate qualified leads of homeowners interested in residential solar energy systems and schedule prospective customers for a free information session. Applicants will need a proven track record of setting and achieving goals, be self-driven and have a reliable mode of transportation as this position requires field territory work, however the company will also pay for any training you need. See the full job description here.

Entry-Level Accountant, MCI Careers, TX

This remote Entry-Level Accountant position is responsible for the accounting operations of the company, to include the production of financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive system of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company’s reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles. The right candidate will exhibit good business judgment and acumen, and be both confident and flexible in their views. Get more information here.

Get your career on the right track today via the Study International Jobs Board