Adjusting to a new job is always an intimidating task. During your first week, you find yourself in foreign territory, as you are unfamiliar with your new company, its employees and the nuances of the office environment. In order to help you adapt to your new job more quickly, consider the following first-week tips.
1. Make Introductions a Priority
The old cliché regarding the importance of first impressions is relevant when it comes to your first week on the job. To make a positive impression and make your presence known during your first week on the job, be sure to make an effort to introduce yourself to people in the office. This is especially important for people who you will be working directly with on a daily basis.
2. Pay Attention to Office Etiquette
Every office is a unique environment complete with different personalities, policies and unspoken rules that dictate how it functions on a daily basis. While these intangibles might not appear in your job description, they are important elements to learn to help you transition from “the new guy” to a seasoned vet in your respective office. Everything from which fridge to keep your lunch in, to who makes the coffee are little details that will help you to adjust to office life. Keep your eyes and ears open and see how other employees handle situations so you can adapt more quickly.
3. Find a Mentor
In addition to paying attention to general office etiquette, seeking out an experienced employee is a great way to help you catch on to office life more quickly. Find someone who knows the ropes around the office and has been there a while. Veteran employees who know how to deal with everyday challenges around the office can help you with initial concerns like where to find office supplies and whom to contact if you have a problem.
4. Get Familiar With the Neighborhood
If your new job required you to relocate, then it is likely that you are in unfamiliar territory. Taking the time to explore your new environment and learn where things are will make life much easier for you. This includes planning your route to work ahead of time and locating important establishments such as pharmacies, restaurants and grocery stores.
Planning your route to work ahead of time is especially important for your first day on the job. No one wants to show up late for their first day, and figuring out your transportation plans ahead of time will help prevent that.
5. Seek Out Your Boss
Making an effort to sit down with your boss during your first week on the job is important, as it has multiple benefits. In particular, finding out what is expected of you right away and further down the road will give you a clear picture of what to focus on at work. Also, this will give you an idea as to how you will be evaluated by your boss and let you know what performance indicators are most important for gauging your progress.
6. Get Yourself in Work Mode
If you are fresh out of college or entering your new job after a period of occupational limbo, then you should make an effort to adapt to your new schedule ahead of time. While getting a good night’s sleep the night before your first day is important, one night isn’t enough time to adjust to a new sleep schedule. Rather than shocking your system, spend the two weeks leading up to your first day going to bed at a reasonable hour and waking up as if you were going to work. This will make surviving that first week much easier.
7. Pack a Lunch
Bringing your lunch with you the first few days will ensure that you are prepared for any surprises in terms of your lunch schedule. Whether you have a small window for lunch or need that time to catch up on back work, a bagged lunch is a safe bet if all else fails.
8. Ask Questions
Although it might be your first impulse to shy away from asking questions, it is an important first step when learning a new job. Being upfront about confusion will keep you from letting small mistakes and misunderstandings turn into greater blunders. Taking notes is a good idea, as it will save you the trouble of asking the same question twice.
9. Establish Your New Position on Social Media
Updating your job title and connecting with new co-workers will solidify your connection with your new job in the digital space. You should also follow and connect with your company’s social accounts if you haven’t already. You’ll likely earn yourself more followers just by associating yourself with your new organization, which could be great for you if you plan on integrating social media marketing into your personal accounts later.
10. Lend a Hand
As a new employee, it is unlikely that you will be handed a significant workload right away. Rather than sitting around the office wasting time, offer to help those around you who appear to be swamped. If they decline, at least you’ve made an effort and a good impression. If they allow you to help, consider it a learning opportunity and a chance to gain an ally in the office.
The first week at a new job is a confusing and stressful time for everyone. To help the early stages of your new gig go as smoothly as possible, make it a point to consider the aforementioned tips.
Featured photo credit: thumbs up by Sarah Reid via flickr.com
