Starting a new job can be terrifying. Walking into a new environment and having to learn a new way of doing things can be really intimidating. It’s also a super exciting time.
I’ve started a new job a fair few times in my life. Okay, more than a few but who’s counting? There are a few things that I always do before starting a new job. Curious to know what they are? Read on!
Dress to impress
I don’t care where you work, whenever you’re starting a new job you should always dress better than you think you have to. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had someone walk into an interview inappropriately dressed. When did it become okay to wear jeans to an interview?
Your first day on a job should be no different. You should dress nicer than you think you have to. Debating between a tie or no tie? Wear a tie. You’ll never look stupid for dressing better than you should but let me tell you, you will definitely look stupid for dressing worse than you should have.
Another thing you should do when starting a new job is laying out your outfits the night before. It’s just so much less stressful in the morning and you won’t have to be running around trying to find something to wear.
Ask questions
Look, in any new job, there is going to be software that you’ve never heard of or a new term you have no idea what they’re actually saying. The first couple of weeks in your new job is almost like a grace period for asking silly questions. Never be afraid to ask. If anything asking makes you look engaged in what you’re learning.
As a manager I would rather someone ask a ‘stupid’ question in the beginning than make an avoidable mistake later on. At the very least you can always just use your trusty friend – Google.
However you’re finding out answers, make sure you write everything down. The first couple of weeks in any new job can be super overwhelming and the amount of information thrown at you can seem like way too much. Writing it down will ensure that you won’t forget any of the valuable information you’re being told in the beginning.
Build relationships
I get it, it’s super hard coming into a new workplace and not knowing anyone. It’s like being the new kid at school. There are already cliques, people already have their grooves and you need to try inserting yourself into something already established.
Here’s the thing that everyone forgets: at one time everyone was that new person. At one time everyone felt the way you do. Make a little bit of an effort, say hi and ask how someone’s day is going. Having a prepared list of questions will help you to prevent awkward pauses.
If you’re going to focus on any relationship first the most important is your team and your manager. They are the ones you will be working with everyday. Make an extra effort with them. Invite your colleague out for coffee to get to know them better or just book a half an hour meeting. Little things like this will go a long way.
Know your workload
When you start a new job it’s important to understand what the roles and responsibilities are. Sit down with your manager and get a good understanding of how everything works. Make sure it’s laid out clearly what’s expected of you.
Once you have a good sense of what your manager and your team is expecting
Get to know the company
Sure you probably did your fair share of research on the company for the interviews but now you’re on the inside! There’s likely tons of materials at your fingertips to teach you more about where you work. Learning things like the history is important but what I’m really talking about are the benefits that are at your disposal.
There are so many different programs at my company I spent so much time in the beginning researching it. If your company has something like an RRSP matching program or an education tuition assistance program then you need to take advantage. These are free resources for you to use. Companies set these kinds of programs up to entice star talent like yourself so use them!
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So tell me, what advice do you have for someone starting a new job?
