New hire tips
Are you starting a new job? Hoping to make a good impression? Do you want to fit in with others and not feel awkward? If so, you wouldn’t be alone.
While getting hired on at a company can be exciting, it can also be stressful. Let’s face it – new responsibilities and new relationships can be major sources of anxiety.
So, is there anything you can do to help make the onboarding process easier? The answer is yes. But for that to happen, you’ll need to create awareness around specific behaviors.
What follows are 15 helpful things you can do when transitioning into a new job that help make a good impression.
Check it out.
1. Involve yourself in social activities
Try to naturally interact with people in your work area whenever possible. This means taking lunches with others and socializing.
2. Avoid trying to change things
When you start a new job, your number one priority is to understand the organization and its mission. This means getting to know key people and building relationships.
Now is not the time to identify problem areas or make suggestions for change. Instead, actively listen to all that you hear so that you absorb the company culture.
3. Be direct
While not always the case, you may encounter co-workers who feel threatened that you were hired. Should this happen, simply be direct and let them know you are there to do a job.
Avoid getting into conversations about last person who held the position. They are gone. You are there. Enough said.
4. Don’t complain or whine
Before you begin talking to others about something that’s bothering you, make sure it warrants a public airing. The worst thing you can do is get the reputation of being negative.
5. Avoid gossip
This tip is easier said than done but is worth mentioning. Avoid gossip like the plague. And whatever you do, don’t talk about others – no matter what.
If you do this, others will wonder if you speak about them behind their back.
6. Be supportive and positive
Listen to colleagues and smile, even if you sometimes disagree. Should a co-worker make a mistake, don’t criticize them.
Instead, be supportive. If you make mess up, own it. Make a commitment to do better the next time.
7. Show your appreciation
Show thanks to your supervisor or co-worker when they do things to make your job easier. When working on teams, show gratitude to everyone who contributed.
8. Share credit when deserved
Obviously, you should take credit for the work you do. But if others assist you, make sure they are mentioned in a public way. This will help them to feel recognized.
If you neglect to do this, you may cause others to feel exploited.
9. Be okay with favors
Should a fellow employee do a favor for you – like trading days off – be open to returning that favor in kind.
Obviously, follow company policies and do not engage in anything unethical.
10. Live in the present
It’s easy to get caught up in conversations with others who reminisce about the way things used to be.
When situations like this pop-up, its best to stay focused in the present. Otherwise, you may get sucked into a negative conversation.
11. Ask for help when needed
It’s human nature to feel needed. Your workmates can be great resource for guidance. Avoid the temptation to not ask questions because you fear looking ignorant.
Instead, recognize your co-workers want to help you.
12. Avoid battles
You may get pulled into an ongoing feud between two people or two departments. If possible, try to avoid taking sides.
Instead, take a neutral position and let others argue things out. Remember, as a new person, your number one priority is to learn.
13. Follow group norms
Most workgroups have social norms. For example, your teammates may take a coffee break at 10 am. If so, try to join them. Doing so helps facilitate integration.
14. Be interested in others
People enjoy working with others who show them attention. Taking an interest in a workmate’s job sends the positive message you care.
Just remember, there’s a difference between being interested and appearing nosey. Use common sense.
15. Get a mentor
If possible, try to find someone who is willing to take you under their wing.
Ideally, the person will be well-liked and respected. It may take time to identify the right person but try to make it happen within the first six-months of starting.
