It looks like you have landed a new position! Congratulations! What comes next will require figuring out what you should focus on during your initial first weeks on the job. If you just graduated college or you have years of experience in your field, this is your cheat sheet when it comes to starting a new job and being successful in the workplace.

The first ninety days at your new place of work are an audition for the rest of your time at this company. It’s not about showing up on time and completing the work you are assigned but it is also about learning the ropes, understanding the office politick and getting to know the people you work with. You are currently setting the stage for the rest of your career so you want to ensure that you get it right.

Your supervisor and fellow coworkers are going to notice you as they are figuring out if they made the right choice in hiring you and you need to show them that this is the case. We are talking about proving that you have the right credentials but also that you are a good cultural fit as well as a team player.

You want to impress senior management as well as your peers. Building long term relationships with your colleagues makes the day-to-day grind more efficient.

Keep reading to obtain a few practical tips for starting a new job that will help you optimize your chances for long-term success and satisfaction. Utilizing a proactive and strategic approach will allow you to transition into becoming an important addition to your new employer.

Starting a new job can be exciting for a few reasons. You get to meet new people, learn new skills and become part of a team. 

1. Thinking Through Your Goals

An important tip for beginning a new job is to have a one on one with your manager in order to set clear expectations and understand your responsibilities. Within the first month, make sure to schedule this meeting to have a meaningful conversation about the realities of your job description. Be specific in terms of what your expectations are for your new position. If you are in sales and your job relies on meeting quotas, you need to find out what those parameters are. If you are bringing in a specific amount of money or a set number of new clients, it is important to know how your performance will be measured. At the 90-day mark, meet with your boss again to see how you are performing. This will give you the bandwidth to seek out additional resources. 

2. Being Ready To Go

Time management can make an excellent first impression and it sets the tone for your career. Being a few minutes early allows you the time to settle in and shows that you respect other people's time. If you show up prepared this means coming to work and having some background knowledge about the company and its operations shows that you are proactive and invested in meeting their goals.

3. Listening & Learning

The beginning of a new job can sometimes be challenging. Listen actively during team meetings, individual chats with your manager and even during casual conversations by the coffee machine. You want to absorb the company culture, team dynamics and business objectives throughout your tenure at the company..

4. Getting To Know Your Supervisor

One of the most valuable tips for starting a new job is getting to know your boss's leadership and communication style which can offer invaluable insights for your long-term success. For example, do they prefer weekly email updates or quick daily stand-ups? Do they like to be consulted on every decision or do they give you autonomy over your project workload? Understanding these nuances can help you align your actions more closely with their expectations.

5. Being Flexible

Adaptability can manifest in various ways, from your ability to learn new software to your willingness to take on an unexpected change within an existing project scope. You might need to change your work hours or take on different tasks in order to meet deadlines. By being adaptable, you show that you are not just looking to survive changes but thrive despite them.

6. Building Trust

This might sound obvious but you need to solidify relationships and trust with your colleagues. Make yourself available to have coffee with them, lunch and get to know them. This will set the supportive, friendly tone needed to work together and make your team successful.

7. Practicing Gratitude

A mindset of gratitude creates a positive work environment. You can show gratitude in multiple ways, from a simple “thank you” to sending a short note or even publicly recognizing someone's efforts during a team meeting. This fosters a supportive workspace while making challenges easier for you and your colleagues.

8. Incorporating Constructive Feedback

Always ask for a critique and take it with a grain of salt. Constructive criticism can be challenging but it offers valuable lessons for improvement. When you receive feedback, take a moment to understand its implications. Develop a plan of action to address the points raised and discuss this with the person who offered the feedback.

9. Asking & Offering Help

Possessing the ability to ask for help and being a go to for others can make you become a more well rounded employee. You will be flexing your skills to become known and also the person everyone likes to be around. 

10. Seeking Out Guidance When Appropriate

Finding a mentor can be really beneficial. This does not necessarily have to be someone within the organization. Your most beneficial advisor could be someone external who can help you see things from a new perspective. You can find a mentor through networking, professional organizations and asking your manager for recommendations. Once you have located your mentor, meet with them regularly. Discuss your new role and brainstorm ways to not only be successful but also how you can continue to build your professional brand.

11. Being Enthusiastic

Strive to make your mark! This is one of the best tips for starting a new job because it sets the tone for the rest of your career. Work diligently and demonstrate a remarkable work ethic from day one that others are easily impressed by. Approach new projects with enthusiasm and demonstrate a "can-do" attitude. When working on projects ensure that you are thorough and articulate.

For various roles, a background check will need to happen before they send you the offer letter. If you were convicted of a crime that is relevant to the job responsibilities, you will set off a red flag. Some industries need to check your background more extensively if you work with children.

Employers must receive written permission from you before running a background check. If anything in the report leads to the company deciding against hiring you, the employer legally has to let you know and provide you with a copy of the appropriate documentation.

There are red flags that influence companies' decisions when it comes to hiring potential candidates. What exactly do employers look for in a background check? Keep reading to learn what can cause a negative background check.

Seven Areas of Interest

1. Criminal Background History

Criminal background checks are used by most employers in the United States. Employers want to make sure that there is a safe environment for all employees. Knowing the criminal history of potential hires helps assess whether they might pose a risk to others. For example, people with violent criminal histories or those involving workplace crimes might be considered risky hires. Many employers consider the nature of the crime and how detrimental it is when making a potential hire. There are some industries where a clean record is important. Positions that require a high-security clearance will deny you if you committed a major offense or anything related to addiction, mental health, sex related offenses or cybercrime.

2. Drug & Alcohol Use

A background check for employment may include a drug and alcohol test but this depends on employer policies and the nature of the job. This test is separate from the criminal, education and employment history checks that make up most background checks. Drug and alcohol testing is more common in industries where safety is a marked concern such as transportation, healthcare, law enforcement and manufacturing. 

3. Personal Credit History

What do employers look for in a background check when it comes to your credit history? They are looking for financial responsibility and reliability. This includes credit-to-debt ratios, payment history and overall financial management. In most states, employers are allowed to see your credit history before extending a job offer. Having subpar credit is not necessarily a deal-breaker unless you are applying for a financial position. Another instance where your credit history might be of interest to potential employers is if the job allows you access to a company credit card.

4. Bankruptcies

A thorough background check will display any bankruptcy filings. Employers won't be able to see why you filed for bankruptcy meaning it is on you to explain your financial troubles and the steps you are currently taking to regain your footing. This will matter more for financial jobs than other industries. Most employers understand if a divorce, medical issue or other unexpected event caused you to file for bankruptcy.

5. Driving Records

Having a few speeding tickets or moving violations on your driving history should not be considered negative to potential employers. Having a driving accident while you are on the clock could mean financial or legal consequences for your employer. If you have a traffic violation or DUI on your DMV record, be prepared to explain the circumstances.

6. Employment History

Employment history is a part of the process that aims to confirm the accuracy of your work experience as it is stated on your resume and / or job application. The process and extent of your employment history verification varies depending on the employer policies and any related job requirements. You may need to provide an employment verification letter. Some background checks automatically include a report of your employment history, a list of all previous companies that you have worked for, your job titles and the corresponding dates of employment. 

7. Education Verification

Employers want to ensure that the information you provided is accurate and truthful when it comes to your education. It is a crucial step when it comes to evaluating your qualifications. It can also influence compensation especially in roles where educational attainment is tied to your salary expectations. When running a background check, many employers will verify your credentials and some will ask you to show certificates of achievement or awards. 

How Long Do Background Checks Typically Take?

No one likes to wait, so it is helpful to be prepared for how long a background check might take. A standard background check takes between a few days to two weeks. A simple employment verification and criminal record check might only take a few days. If you have lived in multiple locations or have a common name, it can take longer to accurately gather all the necessary details. 

Jobs That Don't Require A Background Check

Jobs and industries that often do not require background checks usually include positions where the level of responsibility and risk is relatively low. Some of the typical areas where background checks might not be as common;

• Positions in retail or food service,
• Gig economy type jobs,
• Art and creative fields,
• Agricultural jobs,
• Manual labor and construction,
• Housekeeping.

Conventional wisdom states that a job referral leads to getting a new job. In many cases, it is true. As a referral candidate, you are often considered a better fit and will typically stay in your role longer than other hires. Having a job referral does not mean that landing the position is set in stone. You need to know how to capitalize on that connection in order to get your foot in the door and impress the hiring manager. How do you ask someone you know who currently works at your target company to help you out? What is your next step once they have put in a good word for you? Should you mention them in your cover letter or during the interview process? With these questions already in mind, we can dive in to find and ask for employee referrals. 

What is a job referral?

A job referral is a recommendation provided by someone who is connected to an organization that you are interested in working for and who can vouch for your qualifications. This professional endorsement can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed in a crowded job market as a testament to your suitability for the role. It is not only about getting your foot in the door, it is about starting off with a solid introduction that says you are more than qualified for the position. You are someone out of the ordinary who is highly recommended and has a bit of sparkle.

How To Successfully Find A Job Referral

The key to making job referrals work well for you is finding a connection between a job opening and someone you know. Start by searching your network on LinkedIn to see who may be working at companies where you would like to work. It could be one of your former colleagues, classmates or even friends who share your professional interests. At the very least, it is always great to catch up and they might be working at your dream company.

How To Ask For A Referral

Once you have identified a connection in your network, send them an email asking about the specific job that you have seen at the company and include the link to the job description if you can.

Best Practices For Your Job Referral

Capitalizing on a job referral requires a professional and friendly approach while fostering a connection that could last a lifetime. 

Ask For Their Permission

This might seem like an obvious step but it is an important one to remember. The last thing you want to do is lose your connection's trust by using their name in your application when they feel uncomfortable with you doing so. Make sure you have the okay from them before mentioning their name in order to start building a relationship with the recruiter or hiring manager.

Include Your Job Referral In Your Email & Cover Letter

Once you have permission to use your contact’s name, you can include them in your initial outreach to the hiring manager. Make sure to mention your referral early on to set the tone appropriately.

Keep Your Referral Updated

You should let your contact know after you submit your resume and any other required application materials. They may be able to provide insider information on the progress and help you navigate potential hazards in the interview process. Keep this line of communication open throughout the application process and express your enthusiasm about the opportunity.

Mention Your Referral In Your Interview

If you have already mentioned your referral in your correspondence with the hiring manager, you can also mention them once you get to the interview stage. You want to mention your connection in the right way, otherwise you risk focusing on the wrong thing.