The transition to management is one of the most difficult challenges first-time managers face--almost half fail. First-time managers may experience disorienting dilemmas that trigger transformative learning. HRD (human resource development) practitioners can assist in reducing the failure rate of first-time managers when they better understand the…

In the next decade, the military will rely on aggressive marketing to battle the nation's businesses as both search for the best entry-level employees. (Author)

Informal learning among workers takes place continuously. Companies that want to capitalize on it should encourage communities of practice and mentoring and eliminate communication barriers. (SK)

Describes interview techniques for determining whether a first-time worker will be a good employee. Offers questions that will give an insight into attitudes and suggests telling applicants what will be expected of them if they are hired. (JOW)

Widespread labor shortages are leading companies to adopt innovative recruiting and training methods, such as Internet job postings, computer-based training, certified interviewers, collaborations with colleges and universities, and making employees at all levels feel important. (SK)

Presents a method for socializing trainees into the learning environment, including a model of organizational socialization, applications in training, and instruments for assessing socialization. (SK)

A new principal looks back on the experiences of her first year as an administrator. She stresses the importance of seeing situations from other people's points of view, taking blame for one's own decisions, and using humor, when appropriate. (WD)

The United States is mobile society, and mobility is evident in the jobs people hold. From one year to the next, almost 1 worker in 5 enters or returns to an occupation that he/she did not work in 12 months earlier. A worker's age, sex, race, and ethnicity influence likelihood of changing occupations. (Contains detailed data tables.) (JOW)

Discusses how to act and what to expect in the first job. Points out that first jobs are important because they provide an opportunity to develop the technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills that can be used in the second job. (JOW)

High risk of liability makes assessment centers a viable method for selection of police officers. Despite high costs, centers offer the advantages of observation of actual job-related behavior, support in the legal arena, and validity. Video technology and other options have potential for reducing the expense. (SK)

No or poor orientation can reduce new employees' effectiveness and contribute to dissatisfaction and turnover, costing the company money. The orientation programs of large companies such as Disney, Texas Instruments, and Corning Glass are successful due to high expectations, supervisor and senior management involvement, anxiety reduction, and…

Today's employers desire a number of qualities in their workers: self-confidence, technical knowledge, positive attitude, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to learn. Also important are the various aspects of reliability: punctuality, attendance, commitment to excellence, and listening skills. (SK)

Describes an employability profile that lists test scores on some competencies useful to employers. It is presented as a one-page profile form and can be used as a record by youth and adults looking for entry-level jobs. (JOW)

Inadequate employee orientation programs can cost companies in high turnover and reduced productivity. This article discusses training techniques that can be used to orient new employees. (JOW)

Discusses the problems faced by beginning teachers and suggests ways of making entry into the teaching profession less traumatic and more successful. (Author/WD)