How To Get The Most Out Of Your New Job

How To Get The Most Out Of Your New Job

There are a million thoughts and feelings a person has when starting a new job. You’re anxious, nervous and excited at all of the possibilities. You’re also completely overwhelmed. You have to start from scratch and learn a new routine, culture, tasks and group of people on top of doing your actual job. Needless to say, it’s a daunting and stressful experience.

To help you get through this life-altering transition, here are some tips and strategies on how to get the most out of your new job.


Establish Goals

At this point in your career, a job should be more than just a means to pay bills. Why were you hired? What is expected of you? What do you want accomplished by a particular deadline? What experiences are you looking to gain? Having a set of defined goals will direct you during your first couple of months of a new job.

In fact, these goals may even get you through the first 90 days, which is usually the time most “fraught with peril and loaded with opportunity.” And, to help you survive those crucial 90 days, it’s best to achieve quick wins. Not only will it make you feel accomplished, it’s a great way to make a solid impression early on.

Arrive Early

Arrive early to work. You’re probably already aware of this, but it’s always in your best interest to arrive early, even more so when starting a new job. Not only are you in a new building, but also perhaps in an area that you’re not familiar with. You don’t want to get lost on your way or when arriving to your new place of employment. Give yourself some extra time in case you accidentally lose your way or have to fill out any important documents.

Also, this will give you the chance to introduce yourself to security, the maintenance staff or receptionists. These are very important to get to know. Not only will they direct you in the right direction, they could be valuable sources of information – such as mapping out the building or the best times to meet with your boss. So, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to be polite and courteous to the employees who are already in the building.

Don’t Be Invisible

You simply can’t be anti-social when in a new work environment. Your colleagues will be the ones to help you transition into your new gig and are the best sources of information. For example, they could answer a simple question like where’s the restroom to directing you to the proper people to turn to when you have an issue or concern. Besides, you’re going to be spending a lot of time with these people. Wouldn’t you want to establish some sort of camaraderie to make the workplace more enjoyable?

Take the time to learn the names and positions of your co-workers. And, who knows, you might make some new friends. Don’t hesitate to even ask them to join you for a cup of coffee or lunch one day.

Get Involved

Another way to get noticed is by jumping in and letting your work speak for itself. After all, that’s what you are there to do, right? Even if you have question or concerns, don’t hold yourself back too much. Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing.

However, don’t be shy to share offer assistance or your opinion if you can. Your part of the the team now and you obviously have some set skills which landed you this job. So, show everyone what you’ve got. Just don’t be cocky or showboat. No one likes a showoff.

Ask Questions and Listen

There’s no shame in asking questions. As the former VP of CNN Steve Korn says “there are no dumb questions, except the ones you don’t ask.” Your co-workers are aware that you are a new employee and that there is a period of adjustment. How else will you discover the layout of the building or where utilities are located? Most importantly, how else will you learn how your new employer works? You may be the best at what you do, but there could be a different process. It’s a good thing to be aware of. Besides, it illustrates that you care.

You also want to make sure that you are listening. Whether it’s instructions during orientation or when a co-worker offers advice, carefully pay attention. Again, that proves that you care about your new opportunity.

Don’t Focus on the Past

It’s incredibly easy to look back at your old job while adjusting to your new job. It’s familiar and provides you with some comfort. The problem? No one wants to hear about it. While that may sound harsh, it’s the truth. You have moved on and are at a new job. Comparing the two will only hold you back from your potential and isolate yourself from your new team. After all, if your old job was so great, why aren’t you still there?

Instead of comparing jobs, use the skills and experience that you acquired from your previous job. Still, you want to also focus on your present job and not remain in the past.

Communicate With Your Boss/Manager

There are plenty of us who dread speaking to the boss or manager, but, it’s one of the best ways to find out if you’re on the right track. When you ask a question, provide a short status report or ask for a couple minutes of their time, you’ll get a better understanding of how your performance has been. It’s a great chance to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Just don’t take personal offense at anything that is said. Even if there is a critique, it’s something that you can learn from.

Get Yourself Set Up

Now that you’re on your way to understand your job and getting acquainted with your co-workers, you also have to spend some time getting set up. We’re talking about all of the seemingly boring, but very important, matters like signing paperwork for insurance or getting an I.D. badge if needed. Also make sure that you get your email and voicemail ready to go.

Furthermore, you want to set up your work area. Make sure that you have all the right supplies and that your area is clean and organized. A good idea is to find out what personal belongings are allowed. This not only gives others some insight into who you are, but it makes your area more comfortable and relaxing.

Be Optimistic

Starting a new job can be stressful and frustrating, but that’s no excuse to be negative. Instead of drowning in your fears and anxiety, visualize yourself having a great day. You may discover that things go much smoother when you’re positive and in good spirits. Besides, who wants to be around a negative person? Staying upbeat may be incentive enough for people to assist you in this transitional phase.

Explore

Use the time during breaks to explore your new job. It could be anything from reading a company manual to wandering around the building. This gives you the chance to not only learn the ins and outs or you new job, but also how the building is set up. It may even provide you with the chance to meet new people that you haven’t yet introduced yourself. In other words, it’s a learning experience as well as the chance to make yourself known.

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