How to Start a New Job on the Right Foot
By Stuart Calvert
As the economy corrects and hiring begins to pickup, many people affected by layoffs over the past months are once again beginning to re-enter the workforce. On the flip side of that, people who were lucky enough to keep their jobs were hesitant to explore other opportunities, but now with market confidence growing, many more people are up for making a switch and could find themselves starting somewhere new.
Starting a new job is an exciting time, but there are also many challenges that come along with it. And what you do during those first few days and weeks can largely impact whether you immediately feel like a part of the team, or feel like more of an outsider – something that can significantly impact job performance. Here are a few tips to help make the transition into a new role smooth.
Make a Great First Impression & Develop Relationships
When you start a new job, many people at your new company will be welcoming and do whatever they can to make you feel like a part of the team. This doesn’t mean however that you should leave it up to others to introduce themselves or hold out their hand to you.
Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your new co-workers. Be friendly, ask people about themselves, the company, and how they like working there - people love to act as sources of information. Try and remember one or two pieces of information about each person you meet, and use these as conversation starters in the future to help develop your relationship.
Nothing will make a new job seem more enjoyable than if you are able to forge good relationships with your co-workers from the beginning. People who enjoy those that they work with perform better and are happier overall in their jobs.
Set the Tone - Get a Quick Win
It’s simply human nature for people to want to try and classify others when they meet them for the first time. The thing is, often times it can be difficult to change those opinions - or at the very least it takes more effort to change them than it does to form them in the first place. So how are your new co-workers going to perceive you at first? What are you going to do to shape that impression?
Most companies are fairly welcoming and accommodating with new hires, giving ample “ramp-up” time to get situated and accustomed to their new surroundings without the pressure to perform right away. That said, you can demonstrate the level of performance you look to bring by getting down to business as soon as possible and committing yourself to achieving results quickly.
Be a Good Co-Worker and Team Player
One of the best ways to make a bad first impression when you’re starting in a new role is to appear as someone who thinks they’re better than others or above certain tasks. People who lead by example and aren’t afraid to participate in the more routine daily tasks from time to time are much better at earning the respect of their co-workers.
Do anything you can to help out and show you’re willing to do whatever it takes in order for the company to succeed. Showing you have the company’s best interest at heart will help in others being more open to welcoming you. You can also get involved by joining committees or by volunteering to help in the planning of company social events. By doing this you’ll meet new people and show yourself to be part of the team.
Feel Out the Culture
Most people are likely to receive some insight into the type of culture that exists within the company during the interview process, however what you’re told and what actually exists can sometimes be quite different.
Take some time to observe what the culture in the office is like – if you can do this and try your best to fit in and adapt to the way things are already done, you’ll help yourself become a part of the team right off the bat. Conversely, new people who come in and try doing things that are perceived as disruptive to the existing culture are much more likely to receive push-back. If there are new things you’d like to try or implement, try softly suggesting them as opposed to the hard sell approach, and guage what people’s reaction is.
Don’t come on TOO strong
There’s a fine line between showing enthusiasm and drive when joining a new company, and going overboard and stepping on other people’s toes. The latter will result in people getting their backs up.
While you may be new, realize that most people have probably been there for several months if not years and have spent a lot of time developing relationships. If people see someone new come in and they feel like their position or anything they’ve worked to achieve is being threatened, then you could face a battle rather than a warm welcome and open arms.
On that point, don’t act like the boss’s pet either. While this may put you in good with your manager, you’ll alienate yourself from most everyone else.
Do Unto Others…
While starting a new job can be daunting, remember that there is a certain degree of uncertainty amongst the currently employees of the company as well. Come in with open arms and an open mind and you’ll most likely be greeted with the same. And if all else fails, bring in donuts and muffins with a note saying “from the new guy in marketing”.
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As Partner, Stuart Calvert works in partnership with some of the brightest minds in the consumer packaged goods industry.
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