Buzz
Much like starting at a new school in your younger years, the early days, weeks, and months in a new job can require some time to adjust. Whether this is your first career role or a new chapter in your professional journey, there are several ways to ease your transition. Below, we’ve compiled some essential strategies to help you find your rhythm at your new workplace.
Steps
Refresh your professional knowledge.
Being well-prepared helps speed up the adjustment process. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and key terms in your industry. It's also a good idea to search for news about your new company to stay informed, in case something relevant comes up during conversations at work.
- Consider contacting your new boss or manager for a list of any professional readings or resources they suggest you review to excel in your new position. It’s a great way to show initiative as well!
Aim to make a strong first impression.
Presenting yourself professionally demonstrates your commitment to the role. On your first day, arrive dressed appropriately, be punctual, and maintain a positive outlook. Put your personal phone away and dedicate your full attention to your new responsibilities. Take notes and make an effort to remember colleagues' names and faces.
- If you're more introverted by nature, try stepping out of your comfort zone initially. Engage more openly with others until you feel more at ease. While it might feel a bit awkward at first, you'll be grateful for the effort in the long run!
Clarify expectations with your boss.
Knowing exactly what's expected makes it easier to adjust. Arrange a meeting with your manager as soon as possible. Discuss essential matters like preferred communication methods, especially for addressing issues and making decisions.
- Consider asking your boss to collaborate on setting up a 30-day and 90-day plan that outlines key learning goals and targets for your first month and quarter. These plans can serve as a roadmap for your success and progression in the role.
Align with your boss’s working style.
Your boss will recognize your ability to adapt and collaborate. Do your best to align your work habits with the preferences and priorities of your new manager. If they value regular communication, keep them updated on your progress. If they prefer a more independent approach, focus on completing tasks on your own.
- If you're still unsure about your boss's style, seek advice from your colleagues who may have more insight.
Don't hesitate to ask questions.
It will help you learn quickly and stay engaged. If you're unclear about how a process works, reach out to a co-worker or supervisor for clarification. In meetings, ask questions to show you're involved and gain a deeper understanding of your role.
- If you're feeling overwhelmed by the new tasks, request a 'buddy' or mentor from your boss or manager who can guide you through the adjustment process.
- Don't worry about over-communicating with your boss or team. Frequent communication minimizes the risk of confusion and misunderstandings.
Learn how the internal structure operates.
Understand the roles of others and where you fit in. Take time to review internal documents, such as organizational charts, to better understand the structure of the company and the responsibilities of each team member. Observe how leaders and managers interact to get a sense of the daily dynamics and relationships in the workplace.
- Identify the most influential and respected individuals in the organization. These are key relationships to nurture as you settle in.
Take note of the company's work culture.
Adapt to the pace and rhythm of your new workplace. Observe things like the timing of meetings, how long lunch breaks are, the working hours, and the level of socializing during work. Try to match your work habits to the company's culture without compromising your work-life balance.
- Don’t sacrifice your values or work ethic to fit in. If you're contracted for 8 hours and everyone else works 9 or 10, feel free to leave when your workday ends at 5!
Pay attention to communication styles.
Adapting to the way people communicate will help you blend in faster. Do they prefer instant messages, emails, or face-to-face conversations? If certain communication channels are used for specific types of requests, follow the same pattern.
- For instance, if formal requests are usually sent by email, avoid making them in person or via chat.
Build relationships with your coworkers.
Building relationships makes work more enjoyable. Take the time to grab lunch with coworkers or chat in the breakroom. Make an effort to greet people around the office and learn their names, even if they’re not on your immediate team.
- Avoid getting involved in office gossip or sticking exclusively to one group. The key is to be friendly, approachable, and engage with everyone in a positive manner to help you settle in more comfortably.
Establish connections with key individuals.
Identify important figures in the company and reach out to them. Schedule brief introductory meetings with stakeholders and other influential people within the organization. If you're unsure who to approach first, ask your boss or manager for guidance.
- During these meetings, inquire about their roles to gain a better understanding of the organization. Then, ask how your responsibilities might align with theirs to learn how you could collaborate effectively.
Focus on making three significant contributions early on.
Making early contributions helps establish your credibility as a team player. Any action that benefits the team or company can be seen as a key contribution. Try to complete at least three major tasks early in your role, or offer to help a colleague or take on extra duties during slower times.
- For example, if you’re in a sales position and your team is aiming to hit $30,000 in sales for the month, try to secure a few solid sales in your first couple of weeks.
- Alternatively, if you notice teammates staying late to complete data entry, offer to stay and help them out so the work gets done more quickly for everyone.
Request feedback after 30 and 90 days.
This allows you to gauge your performance and identify areas for growth. After 30 and 90 days, have a discussion with your supervisor about how you’re doing in the role. Take note of what you’re excelling at and where there’s room for improvement.
- If your company has a formal feedback process, make sure to follow it. If not, don’t hesitate to ask your boss or manager directly for a performance review.
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It’s natural to miss your previous job during the transition. Adjusting to a new role takes time, and it’s common to feel nostalgic. *If you ever second-guess leaving your old job, remind yourself that your new role will eventually feel just as comfortable.
Warnings
- Avoid comparing your new company's processes with those of your previous job. This can make it harder to embrace the new ways of doing things and may slow down your adjustment.
