Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off, and you have landed a new job. Now it’s important to maintain your momentum and make a stellar start in your new position. The first few months are likely to be somewhat of a roller coaster ride. However, with a bit of preparation and the right attitude, your initial days, weeks, and months can be an exciting and productive period.
To succeed in your new job, it helps to plan what you’re going to do before you start, during the first few weeks, and during the first few months.
Before You Start
Physical Preparation
Begin with the practical aspects. If you’re relocating, make decisions about where you will live and how you will commute to work. Consider the timing of your first paycheque and whether it differs from your previous job. Clarify your working hours and understand the dress code for your new workplace. Think about your physical health. To handle long and demanding days, you need good sleep, nutritious food, and regular exercise. Physical resilience is key.
Mental Preparation
Get your mind back in the game. Review the job description to remind yourself of what your role entails. Reflect on your interview and any feedback you received. Recall the skills and strengths they identified in you. Fill any gaps in your knowledge with some reading or training. Ensure you’ve researched the organisation and its industry thoroughly. Consider any specific expectations they might have and think about your own goals and what you want to be known for in your new role.
The First Few Weeks
Master the Basics
In the first few weeks, it’s crucial to get the basics right. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, take suitable breaks, and avoid being late for meetings.
Ask Questions
This is your honeymoon period where everyone expects you to be inquisitive. Take full advantage of this by asking lots of questions. Listen carefully to the answers, take notes, and discuss what you’re learning with someone you trust. Avoid making quick judgements. Instead, focus on listening and observing.
Understand Expectations
Early on, find out what’s expected of you. Understanding expectations will help you identify quick wins you can focus on, even if it’s something simple like organising a helpful spreadsheet.
Build Relationships
Introduce yourself to colleagues, including those in senior positions, and remember their names. Understand the reporting structure, know who you report to, and familiarise yourself with your team. Show a positive ‘can-do’ attitude. Be willing to tackle any task and remain open to learning new things.
The First Few Months
Show Progress
In the first few months, demonstrate that you can make progress according to the role’s expectations and that you fit well within the organisation and its culture. Be clear about your yearly objectives and how you plan to achieve them. Be prepared for these objectives to evolve.
Balance Confidence and Humility
Approach tasks with confidence, but don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Regularly check in with your supervisor to ensure you’re on track. While your fresh perspective and experiences are valuable, balance them with respect for the company’s established knowledge and practices.
Embrace All Tasks
Understand that every job involves less interesting tasks. Approach these with the same dedication and efficiency as you do the tasks you enjoy.
Building Strong Relationships
Form strong relationships by socialising with colleagues outside of work or by offering help and support when you can. Stay curious about the organisation and the roles of employees in different departments. If you ever feel overwhelmed, discuss your priorities with your boss and share your concerns. Remember, feeling overwhelmed is often normal when starting a new job. Talk to colleagues about how they manage their workload and find systems to stay organised. If you have less work than expected, proactively seek out new tasks and demonstrate your willingness to take on challenges.
The Conscious Competence Ladder
Understanding the Conscious Competence Ladder can be very helpful. This model outlines four levels of learning:
1. Unconsciously Incompetent: You lack knowledge in a specific area and are unaware of it.
2. Consciously Incompetent: You realise your knowledge gap and begin to address it.
3. Consciously Competent: You have acquired the knowledge and are aware of your competence.
4. Unconsciously Competent: You use your skills effortlessly.
Recognise that you will move through these stages multiple times throughout your career. Embrace each level as a sign that you’re growing and developing in your role.
Final Thoughts
Starting a new job can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. The key is to be prepared for the ride. Before you start, organise yourself physically and mentally. In the first few weeks, get the basics right, build your knowledge and relationships, and demonstrate a positive attitude. In the first few months, show progress against your objectives and prove that you fit the organisation. Embrace the learning curve and remember it’s all part of your growth and development.
What steps will you take first to prepare for your new job?