Article Treasure Cove

How to Thrive in a New Job

The initial months on a job can be often exciting, but they also are extremely critical to influencing your boss’s and co-workers’ opinions about your potential in the new role, as well as laying the foundation for future success within the team.

Even though most employers understand that new hires require time to adjusst to the new environment, they also take note of how you go about it. While there’s much to learn – from your colleagues’ names to company policies – the things you don’t do in the early stages of employment can make just as much of a difference as those you do. In fact, failing to adapt to an organisation’s culture and not asking enough questions are the two biggest mistakes made by new employees.

Following are some strategies for adjusting to a new position and making an immediate, positive impact on your team. (If you are a long-term employee, it might be good for a refresher.)

1. Respect the culture of the workplace
There’s nothing more embarrassing for new staff than sticking out like a sore thumb, whether by wearing clothes that are ill-suited or being the last to arrive at the office. As soon as you start at a new organisation start observing how the successful people behave and interact with others. To take it a step further, consider finding a mentor – someone who has been with the organisation for a long time – to learn about the organisation’s unwritten rules.

2. Be willing to adjust
You will not doubt encounter internal processes and ways of doing business that are unfamiliar to you. During your first/initial months on the job, resist the impulse/temptation to persuade workmates to “do things your way,” even if you consider it would be better. Talk to co-workers to understand the rationale behind current processes and procedures, and make an effort to learn them. If, after you’ve given them a shot, you still have ideas for improvement, be sure to earn your team’s trust and respect before sharing your proposal with the group.

3. Be clear about your job duties
It’s essential that you are on the same page as your manager from the start, so within the first couple of days, meet with them to discuss your responsibilities and how your position fits into the grand scheme of things. You could ask the following questions:

* What are the immediate priorities and issues that need to be addressed?

* How often and in what form should I provide you with task updates?

* How will my performance be evaluated?

A clear understanding of the things that are expected will help you do your job more effectively.

4. Understand communication styles
Pay attention to the manner in which your colleagues, as well as those from outside your department, exchange information. Most people have a preferred way to communicate, whether it’s through e-mails, phone calls or face-to-face conversations. If your manager expects important information to be detailed in a formal memo, sending a informal e-mail can unintentionally create a poor impression or, worse, increase the chance that your message gets lost. So always clarify preferences in advance.

5. Make an effort to socialise
When starting a new position, many employees focus so much on their work that they overlook opportunities for getting to know their colleagues. True, you want to send the message that you are a hard-working contributor, but you also want to form effective working relationships with your co-workers and manager as soon as possible. Your colleagues can be your strongest allies during your tenure with the organisation and play a vital role in your ability to achieve your most important objectives.

Don’t worry if you aren’t completely settled into your new job right away. It could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to feel confident and secure in a new job.

You can find more articles, resources and community jobs at Jobseeker.org.au.

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