How To Start A New Job On The Right Foot

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.