Interviewer Interview Prep
Impactful Mentees
Benefits of a Mentor
Advice for First-Time Managers
Overcoming the 18-month Itch
Dressing for Your Style
Interview Style Tips
Women's Stocking Stuffers
Gift the Busy Traveler
Father’s Day Gift Guide
Airport Layover Activities
Traveling & Eating Healthy
Travel Like a Boss Lady
The Dual California Life
Gifts for Thanksgiving
Summer Reading List
Top Leisurely Reads
New Year, New Books
Life Lessons from a Sitcom
Oprah, Amy or Amal?
Smart Ways to Handle the First Few Weeks and Create an Action Plan for Your New Role
Starting a new job can give even the most confident person a few butterflies in the stomach: with so many things to learn and people to meet, a lot of time and energy is spent getting settled in a new role. And of course you want to get started off on the right foot, make a great first impression, and earn respect from the people with whom you’re going to be working on a daily basis (for what will be a long time, if all goes well!). The following are some tips to really help you shine as you begin your new position.
New Job Basics: Getting Settled, Learning the Ropes and Making an Impact
- Find out who your go-to person is for any questions or guidance you might need. It’s likely that the company has identified a peer for you, but if not, seek out someone who can provide direction on even the smallest things like where the restrooms are, or how to use the office systems. Knowing that you have someone who can help with the little things will make your first couple of weeks a lot less stressful.
- Be curious! Learn about the company, competitors, and what people do. Show a genuine interest by digging in and learning as much as possible to help you in your new role. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but also understand when to sit back and listen! Being proactive and thoughtful about learning will show that you are engaged, and help you earn respect and trust from your coworkers and leadership.
- Therefore, accept advice and constructive criticism as a new employee in “learning mode.” The last thing you want to do is start off a new job and be perceived as someone who won’t listen to others. Absorb the feedback, accept the help, say “thank you,” and then sort out for yourself what is helpful and what you can discard.
- Next, make lunch plans with key people. This is a great way to get to know your coworkers in a more informal environment, and a restaurant can be a great alternative to sitting down at a conference room table: a more casual setting gets people out of “office mode,” and makes getting to know each other on a personal level a little easier. It’s also a great opportunity to get the inside scoop on the best meal spots in the area — everyone needs to eat lunch, right?
- Get involved! Whether it’s a company event that needs volunteers or maybe just a less desirable project that no one else wants to take on, rise to the occasion and show everyone what a team player you are. These are great opportunities to jump in and get your hands dirty and, again, familiarize yourself with your coworkers.
- Lastly — but definitely most important — you need to take all of the information you’ve received from others, assess what is needed from your position, and create an actionable 90 day plan. This should include any results, goals, or outcomes you want to attain, both personally and for the business. You’ll impress your new boss if you show that you’ve taken the time to think through and develop a plan of what you would like to accomplish.
Starting a new position — even if it’s your dream job — can stress you out to the max. If you find yourself in that position, use these tips and have a strategy in place when you walk in the door. Then keep an open mind, get to know the people and the business, and enjoy your success!
17
