Jumping ship career-wise often happens due to many reasons. But you’ll do yourself a lot of good if you know the right things to do to avoid work mistakes. In this article, we’ll share new job tips to help you warm up to your new environment and get up to speed with your new role as soon as possible.
Photo credit: wayhomestudio
Okay, good people. You’re probably working a new job or are new at some office or organization. Maybe you plan on switching jobs – and moving on to a new role in another organization. Perhaps due to some horrible boss who has ears like the doors of a Ferrari. Wait… did s/he ask you to dress like the overly-formal CEO of Morgan Stanley to work— of all days…, on a Friday? Oh common now!! That is pure fascism. I sympathize with you. We all do too. But whatever is the case, perhaps you need a break. And a new employer, a new organization, a new environment, or even a new pair of shoes may just produce your career nirvana with the new job tips in this article.
Cold Turkey
Alright, okay now. You got the job (for better or worse or…whatever). It’s your first week at the office, and you’re tricked out in one of your best corporate ensembles – an overly pressed pair of pants and a blindingly brilliant top (that made grandma think you’re a passing poltergeist) in your fairly painstaking attempt to harken to the storied first impression. Great, your new colleagues think you’re fair, suave, and decent but you’re already overtaken by the “new guy” syndrome – don’t fret, at least it shows you’re a normal human…if that makes sense.
The fact that you’re new at a workplace doesn’t necessarily demand that you suddenly become tight-lipped and keep to yourself. You need not always shape-shift into a breathing frozen turkey in a new setting, especially at a workplace. In fact, the sooner you blend in and adapt to the new corporate culture, the better you come off to your employer as a person with high “adjustability” who is ready to hit the ground running. Isn’t this a sign of a good catch? (Umm, I wasn’t asking you tho’).
You need not seem like a forest elf in the heart of Mombasa. Although new environments may stir up the sub-zero side of your persona (which is quite normal), you must learn to suppress this tendency for an effective and impressive take-off at your new responsibility.
At any rate, the rest of this write-up sheds more light on tips to quickly get along with your colleagues and acclimatize to a new job:
Mistakes to avoid when starting a new job and new job tips to help you along the way:
Failing to ask questions
This is usually the biggest mistake new hires make. Learning the ropes of a new position can sometimes be difficult. That’s why you should not be embarrassed to ask things like, “How do I go about presenting a creative idea?”
Requesting clarification and asking questions lets your employer and colleagues know you’re ready to be hands-on, learn, and get things right, while also being confident enough to ask for help. As much as you don’t want to appear bothersome with endless requests for assistance, many will be happy to show you the ropes (after all, they were once new employees like you). So instead of keeping to yourself or remaining in the dark about something, take the initiative to get the scoop from a coworker or your manager when starting a new job.
Keeping to yourself when starting a new job
We all know that starting a new job can be exciting (new faces, a new environment, and possibly better pay) but it can also be intimidating. Some employees tend to bury their heads in their work and isolate themselves from their coworkers and avoid interaction with colleagues…this doesn’t help much. While it may be nerve-racking to introduce yourself, it’s important to make the most of your first 90 days on the job and get to know your teammates and peers—throughout the organization if possible.
You’ll be partnering with these people on many different projects, and research also shows that professionals who are friends with their colleagues are happier with their jobs and enjoy their work more. So, take opportunities — like an office celebration or a simple chat at recess — to learn more about your coworkers other than keeping to yourself.
Starting a new job off on the right foot can seem overwhelming. But by taking the time to observe the office dynamics and get to know your new colleagues, you’ll not only impress your manager with your experience and skills but also show your longing to excel and become a team player.
Corporate culture avoidance is a big no
The hiring manager chose you because he or she thought you’d be a good fit for the company, not just the job role. Make sure you catch onto the workplace culture and get involved. Does your department go out to lunch every Friday or celebrate birthdays and work anniversaries? How does your team brainstorm? Is the firm looking for volunteers to help organize an event? You should partake! By respecting unspoken rules and engaging in social activities, you’re letting your manager and coworkers know you’re a team player and want to get to know them beyond email and project deadlines – which in the long run may become a boon for the advancement of your career, however.
Taking on too much work too soon
A first impression is a lasting impression, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. When employees are starting a new job, many managers assign smaller tasks to the “new guy” for a reason. It takes some time to familiarize yourself with a new company, colleagues, and your job functions. In the beginning, it’s much better to focus on the work given to you (and do it well) than take on additional responsibility in an effort to impress your boss. Spreading yourself thin could lead to missed deadlines and mistakes. After you’ve met the whole team and have understood your department’s and organization’s goals, you’ll be ready to dive into bigger, more challenging assignments.
Talking excessively about a previous job or company
Your new employer may not appreciate constant comparisons between your former and current position. Also, refrain from talking negatively about your old job, coworkers, or boss — it’ll likely make people apprehensive about how you speak about them in the future. That said, you don’t need to stifle your insights. You can apply your experience from another organization to your new projects, and share your thoughts freely — your expertise is a big part of why you were hired in the first place.
Failure to set boundaries
You don’t want to come across as ever willing to take on any project regardless of how large. At the onset of your new role, you might want to impress your boss by skipping recess or lingering after work hours (perhaps spending extra time to learn the ropes), which is not entirely a bad thing. But you could do this with tact and know where to draw the line.
Arriving late for work
You must strive to arrive in time for work, say 15 minutes early, to socialize with your new colleagues (before the start of business) and also signal to your employer that you’re ready to take on the day’s challenges.
In conclusion, you’ve gotta learn to blend in asap and prove that both you and your job are a match made in heaven. If you follow the new job tips above, you’ll be able to achieve smooth and easy conformity. Also, engage your social skills when necessary but don’t lose sight of your objectives. It’s the reason you were hired. Adios!
