18 tips on transitioning into a new job
Word on the street is that you just landed a new job. Congratulations!
Starting a new job comes with a flood of emotions. You’re probably excited about the endless possibilities and also feeling some butterflies in your stomach about this new chapter. There’s pressure to perform. There are expectations to achieve great things. There are new people to meet. It’s a lot to take in—I get it!
One thing’s for sure: You’ll feel more confident and grounded if you spend some time preparing for this transition. Here are 18 tips for starting strong—during your first day, first week, and first few months.
Your First Day
Are you feeling those first-day jitters? Here are a few things you can take control of that will help you feel calm and have fun on your first day.
1. Don’t try to prove yourself.
You don’t have to crush all your goals or influence all your teammates on your first day. Just be a sponge—be present and soak it all up. Your first day at a new job is exhausting, anyway. You probably won’t produce much, and that’s okay! Be yourself and celebrate this new opportunity.
2. Choose your first-day outfit wisely.
Decide what you’ll wear the night before you start your job. Your clothing makes a solid first impression, so choose something comfortable, professional, and appropriate for your new work environment.
3. Plan a foolproof commute.
Don’t show up late on your first day at a new job.Duh, Ken,basic human skills 101, you might be thinking. But while we all have good intentions to arrive early, sometimes we fail. So use these tips to be extra careful:
4. Use a real-life notebook to take notes.
I’m sure you’ll be full of questions on your first day—and you should be! Ask as many questions as possible, but write down your answers in a notebook. Pen and paper are obvious communication methods; I’m here and ready to learn. Typing on your phone sends the wrong impression, even if you’re taking notes.
5. Keep your lunch plans open.
You can make yourself available for lunch with coworkers on your first day. You might get an invite! And hey, just because you’re the new kid on the block doesn’t meanyoucan’t extend the invitation. While I’m all for keeping a lean budget by bringing your food to work, going out on your first day gives you one less thing to worry about at home and could lead to some productive conversations.
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6. Take in your surroundings.
Walk around your new workspace and observe. Note the facilities, the layout, the break room and fridge, and where you can find a pick-me-up cup of coffee for your afternoon energy slumps. Also, take some time to settle into your own space. You can personalize your desk by bringing pictures or books from home.
Your First Week
You might feel like drinking from a fire hose during your first week on the new job. Hang in there! Take it one day at a time, and keep these tips in mind:
7. Get to know your teammates.
Sure, you’re meeting lots of new people. And yes, you’ll forget everyone’s names and have to ask them again. . . But don’t let that stop you from extending a firm handshake, offering a big smile, and being open and warm. Here are a few questions you can keep in your back pocket as you chat with your colleagues:
8. Get to know your leader.
I know what you’re thinking:Well, thanks, Sherlock. Everyone knows they should meet their leader the first week on the job. I bring this up because I want you to be intentional about your early conversations with your leader. It would be best to ask for crystal-clear clarity on what’s expected of you so you can know your role, accept your position, and maximize your function.
And, without getting too personal, ask your leader questions about their life outside work! This person will significantly impact your career, so start building your relationship now.
9. Understand how the company is structured.
Most companies have an official organizational chart (org chart, for short) that explains the operating structure. Could you ask to see the org chart and have your leader explain how it works? For example, who’s in senior leadership? How are big decisions made? What’s the process for growth? Get a sense of how you fit into the big picture.
10. Learn the company culture.
Company culture is the organization's personality, beliefs, and values all rolled into one. Hopefully, you did some digging into the culture during the interview, but now you can see firsthand how it plays out daily. And as you step into your new role, you get tocreateyour company culture! You’re not sitting on the bench anymore—you’re in the game.
11. Listen twice as much as you talk.
Could you take in as much information as possible before you air your opinions? This is especially important if you’re stepping into a leadership position. You can’t start raising a ruckus and disrupting the culture until you’ve proven you’re worth following. The old saying goes: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
12. Get your benefits in order.
Sometime during the first week, connect with HR to go over basic benefits questions. Here are a few topics you might want to discuss:
Your First Few Months
As you settle in, treat every day as a new learning opportunity. Here are practical tips for maintaining your enthusiasm about your new job:
13. Be an apprentice.
Remember that you're not an expert even as you become more confident in your new role. Nobody wants to talk to someone who thinks they know it all. On the other hand, humility opens the door to meaningful relationships and opportunities to learn. Develop habits that will help you maintain a growth mindset.
14. Focus on relationships.
Some things take time—and one of those things is building trust. Be intentional about getting to know the people you work with so you can start forming solid relationships. Take a few minutes out of your day to chat with your teammates and grab lunch or coffee. Sometimes, the strongest bonds form outside of work! For example, you could get a regular happy hour with your team or start a book club.
You can start looking ahead to learn from the people who can help you. Here are a few ideas:
15. Say no to gossip.
I’m pretty passionate about this topic. The firm values healthy, unified relationships so much that we made one of our core values “no gossip.” Gossip is a poison that will destroy your organization from the inside out. Please don’t discuss a problem with someone who cannot fix it. Please don’t complain about your team members behind their backs. If you have an issue with someone, go directly to that person. Pass negatives up (to your leader) and positives all around.
You can’t control what others say, but you can control whatyousay. So taking a hard stance against gossip has the double benefit of protecting your work environment and displaying your integrity.
16. Take the initiative.
Your primary work focus is to execute the responsibilities you’ve been given. But as you grow more comfortable, look for ways to help that aren’t necessarily within your job description. Be on the alert. Be willing to raise a hand and offer a solution (respectfully) for a problem you’ve noticed. Seek out what needs to be done, and then do it.
17. Keep an open mindset.
Organizations are made up of people, and people aren’t perfect. As you learn more about the good, the bad, and the ugly of your new workplace, keep a balanced perspective and welcome the viewpoints of others—especially people who have been there longer than you have. People will surprise and disappoint you sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you’re in a bad work environment. It means you’re in a human work environment.
18. Ask for feedback.
Develop an appetite for learning because learning leads to growth. And one of the best ways to gain new insight is to ask your leader and team members for feedback. Don’t wait for your six-month or annual review. Instead, make feedback a regular rhythm with those you trust. You can ask questions like . . .
Be coachable. Be hungry. See each day as an opportunity to practice your God-given talent and go at it with gusto.
Here are five additional tips on transitioning into a new job, especially if it's been a long time since you've moved.
NOW, GO GET YOUR FUTURE!
