Congratulations! – You’ve landed a shiny new job. Now what? Between surviving the stress of interviews and answering ‘why should we hire you?’ questions, landing that dream job is no mean feat.
Be it the first or fifth position, the first week in your new job will always be slightly intimidating. Everyone is watching, from your team members to your manager, and it is essential to start strong in your new role. So, what are some of the key things you can do immediately to create a firm foundation for success?
Follow these 5 tips to get comfortable in your new workplace in the first week and get off on the right foot with your new boss and co-workers.
Absorb like a sponge
First things first – observe and absorb. Get to know the company’s culture, the working and communication styles of your new colleagues. Find out what the growth opportunities and larger company-wide goals are, so you’re able to start your work sooner and more efficiently.
Pay attention to your onboarding and ask plenty of questions about the company. It’s also a good idea to sign up for professional development classes and attend all the team and office meetings even though you’re not very familiar. Set up lunch meetings or after-hours drinks with colleagues to build that rapport. Not only is this a great way to bond with new people, but it also shows that you’re proactive.
Ask the right questions
While interacting with the team and learning new processes and projects, don’t be afraid to ask questions. People will expect it from the new person on the team. Make sure you make notes and write down everything about what you learn – even if it may seem simple. With so much to absorb, your brain will be on overload during that week. Writing down everything will make sure you don’t have to ask the same question twice.
Introductions are key
Be proactive and take the initiative to meet and introduce yourself to new colleagues. Start with your immediate team and the people you will directly work with. This is a good way to get yourself soaked into the company culture and it will be in their best interest to get you started on the right foot because your work will directly affect theirs.
Understand team structures
Pay close attention to the subtle signals you receive from those in and around your group. There might have been be one or more probable contenders who would have vied for your role — so watch out. Look for opportunities to assist and leverage the talents of your new co-workers to avoid any tension that might be building up. This is also a good chance to subtly inquire why your position became vacant.
Observe your manager
A happy boss makes for a far happier work life. Do pay close attention to your manager’s routine to learn about their concerns and their communication style. Be sure to schedule a lunch meeting and set expectations and goals in the first week. This is also the time to clarify any instruction or expectation that is unclear to you. Remember – your performance will reflect on your manager’s standing in the organisation because he/she hired you and any wrong move by you will directly affect them.
