You got through the application and interview process, and you’re about to start a new job – an exciting, but potentially anxious time. Whether it’s your first job ever or you’re moving from one company to another, a new job gives you the opportunity to embrace new challenges and develop new skills.
Here are some tips to help you transition into your new role:
1. Conduct thorough research of the company.
Before your first day, take the time to learn as much as you can about your new company. Review their website; many companies have an About Us page where you can learn about the organization’s mission and values as well as leadership and team members that may make meeting your co-workers on the first day easier. See what other materials or articles about the organization you can find online to familiarize yourself with the company as much as possible.
2. Learn your day-to-day responsibilities.
You probably have a general idea of your role from the job posting and interview process, but the first few days of a job are a great time to dive into your day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Take time to learn all of the steps that go into these responsibilities or what tools, software or skills you’ll need to complete your role. In your first few weeks, consider making a daily or weekly checklist of the tasks and projects you need to accomplish. Or use the checklist as a guide to discussion with your supervisor or team to ensure you’re meeting their initial expectations of your new role.
3. Interact with your co-workers and find out how they contribute to the company.
In addition to learning about your role in a company, starting a new job gives you an opportunity to meet new people. If meeting with team members and people in other departments is not a part of the onboarding process, consider scheduling short one-on-one meetings with co-workers. This will not only allow you to start building rapport and relationships throughout the organization, but you can dive deeper into each person’s role and what they contribute to the team and organization. You may also learn things that aren’t a part of the onboarding process – like which break room has the best snacks or restaurants nearby to try for lunch!
4. Ask questions.
With every new job, there’s always a learning curve. Don’t be afraid to ask questions initially and as you continue in your role. Understanding what is needed to complete a task or project, knowing when a deadline is, or simply asking how a task fits into a larger strategy can help you succeed, now and in the future.
5. Go above and beyond.
When you first start a new job, you can demonstrate your versatility and overall value to the company by taking initiative. Don’t be afraid to take an extra step in a project, offering to take on a new task (as long as you’re completing all of your other responsibilities) or share an idea with your co-workers and supervisors. This is a great way to highlight your creativity, passion and expertise, and set you up as a thought partner within your team.
6. Set goals
It is important to set short-term and long-term goals to track your growth and progress. Review your goals with your supervisor or develop them together and discuss what you will need to do to accomplish them.
Following these steps can help you start a new job on the right foot and set you up for long-term success. Good luck, remember, they hired YOU for a reason. You got this!
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