Congratulations, you’re starting a new job! You’re feeling relieved that the interviews and the wait for a decision from the hiring manager is over, and you’ve finally signed the offer.
Feelings of fear and anticipation may surface now as you think about starting work on Monday. Or you may feel really confident if you have plenty of work experience.
Remember to not assume that your new work environment will be similar to previous ones. It’s very common for seasoned professionals to overestimate themselves due to the breadth of their experience.
Companies offer different depths of on-boarding experiences. Ultimately, success in your career depends on you.
Below are 9 tips for starting a new job and succeeding in your career.
Once you understand your key responsibilities and accountabilities, ask yourself:
This is not a one time event. Continue to do this throughout your time with the company. Every team or project you engage with will evolve and change.
Keep current and be ready to adapt by using your observational skills to be aware of changes to your work environment and people’s behaviour.
Many of these unwritten rules will not be listed on company policies. This means you’ll need to use all of your senses to observe the environment and the people within it.
What should you wear? See what your peers and leaders are wearing. Notice everything from their jewelry down to their shoes. Once you have a good idea of the dress code you can then infuse your own style.
What are your hours of work? What do you notice about start, break and end times? Are your observations different from what you learned at the interview? What questions do you have based on your observations? Asking for clarity will help you make informed decisions and thrive in a new work setting.
What are the main communication channels? What communication mediums do people use (phone, email, in-person, video)? Does the medium change in different work situations? What is your manager’s communication style and preference? These observations will help you better navigate your work environment and thrive in the workplace.
I’ve heard many new employees say:
Remember to:
Asking relevant questions related to your job and the company:
Here are a few questions to reflect on so that you can clearly articulate your intentions and follow through with consistent actions:
Where do you need to set expectations? Reflect on lessons learned from your previous work experiences. What types of expectations do you need to set so that you can succeed?
Why are you setting these expectations? You’ll likely need to provide context and justify why you’re setting these boundaries. Are your expectations reasonable? What are the impacts on the business?
What are your values? If you value work life balance, but you’re answering emails on weekends and during your vacation time, people will continue to expect this from you. What boundaries do you need to set for yourself at work?
What do you want to be known for? This question requires some deep reflection. Do you want to be known as a leader who develops and empowers others? Maybe you want to be known for someone who creates an environment of respect where everyone can openly share ideas. Or maybe you want to be someone who challenges people to get outside their comfort zones?
Here are a few key questions to consider:
What types of relationships do you need to build? Why are you building this relationship?
Here are some examples of workplace relationships:
Learn more in this article: 10 Ways to Build Positive And Effective Work Relationships
Here's How to Network So You'll Get Way Ahead in Your Professional Life.
Make sure you continue to nurture the relationships that you value and show gratitude to those who have helped you achieve your goals.
Remember to not assume that your new work environment will be similar to previous ones.
Here are the 9 tips for starting a new job and succeeding in your career:
Feelings of fear and anticipation may surface now as you think about starting work on Monday. Or you may feel really confident if you have plenty of work experience.
Remember to not assume that your new work environment will be similar to previous ones. It’s very common for seasoned professionals to overestimate themselves due to the breadth of their experience.
Companies offer different depths of on-boarding experiences. Ultimately, success in your career depends on you.
Below are 9 tips for starting a new job and succeeding in your career.
1. Your Work Starts Before Your First Day
When you prepared for your interview, you likely did some research about the company. Now it’s time to go more in depth.- How would your manager like you to prepare for your first day? What are his/her expectations?
- What other information can your manager provide so that you can start learning more about the role or company?
- What company policies or reports can you review that can get you acclimatized to your new job and work environment?
2. Know Your Role and the Organization
Review the job posting and know your responsibilities. Sometimes, job postings are simplified versions of the job description. Ask your manager or human resources if there is a detailed job description of your role.Once you understand your key responsibilities and accountabilities, ask yourself:
- What questions do you have about the role?
- What information do you need to do your job effectively?
- Who do you need to meet and start building relationships with?
This is not a one time event. Continue to do this throughout your time with the company. Every team or project you engage with will evolve and change.
Keep current and be ready to adapt by using your observational skills to be aware of changes to your work environment and people’s behaviour.
3. Learn the Unwritten Rules at Work
Understanding your work culture is key to help you succeed in your career.Many of these unwritten rules will not be listed on company policies. This means you’ll need to use all of your senses to observe the environment and the people within it.
What should you wear? See what your peers and leaders are wearing. Notice everything from their jewelry down to their shoes. Once you have a good idea of the dress code you can then infuse your own style.
What are your hours of work? What do you notice about start, break and end times? Are your observations different from what you learned at the interview? What questions do you have based on your observations? Asking for clarity will help you make informed decisions and thrive in a new work setting.
What are the main communication channels? What communication mediums do people use (phone, email, in-person, video)? Does the medium change in different work situations? What is your manager’s communication style and preference? These observations will help you better navigate your work environment and thrive in the workplace.
4. Be Mindful of Your Assumptions
You got the job, you’re feeling confident and are eager to show how you can contribute. Check the type of language you are using when you’re approaching your work and sharing your experiences.I’ve heard many new employees say:
- “I used to do this at ‘X’ company …”
- “When I worked at “X” company we implemented this really effective process …”
- “We did this at my other company … how come you guys are not …”
- “Why are you doing that … we used to do this …”
Remember to:
- Notice your assumptions
- Focus on your own work
- Ask questions, and
- Learn more about the situation before offering suggestions.
5. Ask Questions and Seek Clarification
Contrary to common belief, asking questions when you’re starting a new job is not a vulnerability.Asking relevant questions related to your job and the company:
- Helps you clarify expectations
- Shows that you’ve done your research
- Demonstrates your initiative to learn
6. Set Clear Expectations to Develop Your Personal Brand
Starting a new job is the perfect time to set clear expectations with your manager and colleagues. Your actions and behaviors at work tells others about your work style and how you like to operate. So it’s essential to get clear on what feels natural to you at work and ensure that your own values are aligned with your work actions.Here are a few questions to reflect on so that you can clearly articulate your intentions and follow through with consistent actions:
Where do you need to set expectations? Reflect on lessons learned from your previous work experiences. What types of expectations do you need to set so that you can succeed?
Why are you setting these expectations? You’ll likely need to provide context and justify why you’re setting these boundaries. Are your expectations reasonable? What are the impacts on the business?
What are your values? If you value work life balance, but you’re answering emails on weekends and during your vacation time, people will continue to expect this from you. What boundaries do you need to set for yourself at work?
What do you want to be known for? This question requires some deep reflection. Do you want to be known as a leader who develops and empowers others? Maybe you want to be known for someone who creates an environment of respect where everyone can openly share ideas. Or maybe you want to be someone who challenges people to get outside their comfort zones?
7. Manage Up, Down, and Across
Understanding the work styles of those around you is key to a successful career. Particularly how you communicate and interact with your immediate manager.Here are a few key questions to consider:
- How can you make your manager’s job easier?
- What can you do to anticipate her/his needs?
- How can you keep them informed (and prepared) so they don’t get caught off-guard?
- What are your strengths? How can you communicate these to him/her so that they fully understand your capabilities?
8. Build Relationships Throughout the Company
It’s important to keep learning from diverse groups and individuals within the company. You’ll get different perspectives about the organization and others may be able to help you succeed in your role.What types of relationships do you need to build? Why are you building this relationship?
Here are some examples of workplace relationships:
- Immediate Manager. He/she controls your work assignments. The work can shape the success of your career.
- Mentors. These are people who are knowledgeable about their field and the company. They are willing to share their experiences with you to help you navigate the workplace and even your career.
- Direct Reports. Your staff can influence how successful you are at meeting your goals.
- Mentees. They are another resource to help you keep informed about the organization and your opportunity to develop others.
Learn more in this article: 10 Ways to Build Positive And Effective Work Relationships
9. Keep in Touch With Those in Your Existing Network
"Success isn't about how much money you make; it's about the difference you make in people's lives." - Michelle ObamaYou are part of an ecosystem that has gotten you to where you are today. Every single person and each moment that you have encountered with someone has shaped who you are - both positive and negative.
Here's How to Network So You'll Get Way Ahead in Your Professional Life.
Make sure you continue to nurture the relationships that you value and show gratitude to those who have helped you achieve your goals.
Summing It Up
There are many aspects of your career that you are in control of. Observe, listen, and make informed decisions. Career success depends on your actions.Remember to not assume that your new work environment will be similar to previous ones.
Here are the 9 tips for starting a new job and succeeding in your career:
- Your Work Starts Before Your 1st Day
- Know Your Role and the Organization
- Learn the Unwritten Rules at Work
- Be Mindful of Your Assumptions
- Ask Questions and Seek Clarification
- Set Clear Expectations to Develop Your Personal Brand
- Manage Up, Down, and Across
- Build Relationships Throughout the Company
- Keep in Touch With Those in Your Existing Network