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The start of a new job is an emotional experience. You are the stranger in a strange land, and you have to adapt. You made a good enough first impression to land the job, but now your first impression is company-wide - and first impressions matter.
The onboarding process can be robust and structured – or non-existent. There are no rules businesses must follow. You may have a week of immersive training or are expected to show up and figure it out. Regardless, the first couple of months of a new job can be rocky as you get settled. Here are some tips that may help get your bearings and set yourself up for success:
1. Take advantage of new employee orientation. Regardless of the skills you already possess, effectively applying them may take time in a new environment. Advance knowledge of company policies and procedures will make your initial probational period easier to manage. If you already know the basics on your first day, you can focus on your new work challenges.
2. Get to know your stakeholders. There is a web of relationships that connect to your position. Make it a priority to learn who your primary internal and external stakeholders are, where they are, what they do, and how they fit into the new puzzle that is your job. However, that is a starting point only. From day one, lay the groundwork to develop in-depth relationships with your stakeholders. Get to know them as people. Down the line, those will be the people who support your initiatives and vice-versa.
3. Manage expectations. Understand what you're supposed to do and how you are supposed to do it. Ask questions twice, if that is what it takes to ensure you don't miss a deadline or meeting time. Find out and write down recurring tasks for which you are responsible until second nature. Do not be afraid to enlist help when you need it. You will have leeway as you learn the ropes, but the honeymoon will not last long.
4. Check in regularly with your manager. Have an ongoing conversation with your manager (and co-workers) to make sure you align your early actions with his or her expectations. At a new job, even work with which you are familiar and confident may be prioritized or used differently. It's easy to regress to patterns from former companies. Proactive communication will help you avoid new employee pitfalls.
5. Document what you do. Most businesses have probational periods, official and unofficial, to monitor the performance of new employees. Keep a record of what you do and document your achievements. If possible, capture metrics. Proof of work that shows you delivered results will help you through your initial employment period, as well as future performance reviews and building an accomplishment-oriented resume.
6. Don't rush in. One of the advantages of being a new set of eyes is you really can see things that people immersed in work-as-usual don't see. You may see a new way of doing something that will bring value or savings to the business and are anxious to plant your flag. Don't be TOO anxious to introduce your groundbreaking new idea until you have a complete understanding of the inner workings of your company, department, co-workers, stakeholders, or whatever the circumstances demand. You need to know the lay of the land before you conquer it. Do not be passive, though. Claim ownership of something if you can – then deliver.
7. Be your best professional self. You are a professional. Act like it. Be on time. Be friendly. Own up to your mistakes on the spot. Be collaborative. Be respectful. Listen. First impressions last forever.
Philip Roufail contributed to this article.
Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching services, and outplacement services. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com, or via the website, www.insidercs.com.
