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Starting a New Job? Here’s How You Can Succeed in the First 3 Months and Position Yourself as the New Star Hire

Starting a new job can be exciting as you embark on a journey to achieve your career goals. However, the real goal is to secure your seat in the new place of work.

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Starting a new job can be exciting as you embark on a journey to achieve your career goals. However, the real goal is to secure your seat in the new place of work.

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The pressure of starting a new job can be overwhelming. Constantly worrying about whether you will make it through the probation, fit in well with your team, and meet expectations can sway you side to side. But worry not, the secret to beating those 3 first months and becoming the long-awaited confirmed employee is here.

Learn the company culture and blend in

The working culture of any organization is important to its success. As you start a new job, pay close attention to how the culture is laid out. Company culture will comprise the informal and formal systems that the employees follow in order to get work done. 

Do your research to avoid mistakes, and ask your supervisor and colleagues how to go about different things. Arrive at work on time, do not be early to leave especially if your supervisor is still around. Avoid getting into arguments with fellow workers, it might give you a bad reputation in a new job. The company culture will also include their dress code, make sure you dress the part. Remember you are still being interviewed even when you already got the job. With a proper understanding of the culture, you will see yourself breaking all barriers on your way to success. 

 

Learn the people

Starting a new job means going into a new environment with new people. You need to be cautious about how you relate with your new work colleagues. Avoid office gossip and petty fights. You might be tempted to join office conversations but keep in mind that these are strangers you know nothing about. 

Give yourself time to learn each individual and act accordingly. Be open to corrections as well, and avoid dismissing criticisms, they will help you become better quickly at the new job. 

 

Understand your job description

Your job description is your blueprint for your new job. Instead of sitting down and waiting for what to do, look through your job description and ask your supervisor how to handle it. Act ahead of time, that is the best way to take on your new job with ease. 

It is important to know your reporting lines. This helps you avoid confusion on who to ask for assistance in your job. Junior professionals also face challenges of being taken for granted or being bullied by other work colleagues as they assign them to work they are not supposed to do. Always inquire from your supervisor before you take on any assignment.

 

Set short-term goals

You do not need a full year’s resolution when you start a new job. Let us focus on mid-week, monthly, or quarterly targets for a start. Put in place strategies to achieve these targets. These targets should be directly in line with your expectations in the new role.

 

Know your predecessor’s weaknesses

There is no wrong in inquiring why your predecessor left. If they were fired then you need to know why so that you do not fall victim. This will also help you fill in the gap that was created in that role. 

 

Ask for weekly performance reviews

Starting a new job means learning new things, you do not need to wait for three months to have your performance evaluated. The earlier your supervisor gives you feedback on your performance the easier you will be able to grow fast in the new job. In case of any mistakes, be willing to take responsibility. No one is going to beat up a grown man for submitting wrong figures. 

Therefore, accepting your mistakes will show you as an honest person. But this does not mean it's okay to mess up, you need to be careful and pay attention to your work. Always make sure to get assistance from your supervisor and colleagues. In the process, you will be able to build good working relationships. 

 

Be available

As you start your new job be careful about taking time off. You do not want anyone to call you inconsistent. Your direct manager needs to know that they can count on you. What about emergency situations? These will happen but endeavor to communicate in time. When you get back to the office always ask your supervisor how you can compensate for the day/hours you were away.

Your first three months in a new job should be the time to make a good foundation and reputation. 

 

Think positive

No one is going to fire you - at least if you are doing things right. You are not doing a bad job. No one is talking behind your back. New hires tend to soak themselves up in worrying about whether they are good enough. Have a positive mindset and worry less about things going wrong at your new job. If you focus on negative outcomes, then they will show up.

Think positive thoughts and you will build confidence to see you through the tough times and before you know it, you’ll be a year into the role. 

Just as you are prepared to get hired, use the same energy to keep your new job. As a new hire, do not lie to yourself that the end game is getting hired. Getting a new job is different from keeping it. But guess what? At Fuzu we have all the resources you need to help you become the star hire.

Written by

Mercy Mukisa

Hey there, I'm Mercy Mukisa, a Senior HR Officer writing to you from the lively heart of Uganda. Writing is my way of contributing to the professional community, grounded in the belief that knowledge is the key to empowerment. In the dynamic field of HR, I'm not just a participant; I see it as a privilege to share the insights and experiences gathered along the way. It's not just about the job; it's a commitment to enhancing your professional journey. So, let's navigate through the pages of my articles together, aiming for a balanced and insightful exploration of empowerment and growth.


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