Roadmap to success at a new job

Changing a job can be daunting, in fact, most people consider it one of the most stressful things besides relocating and divorce. Although it’s exciting to take on a new challenge and move up on the career ladder, it is during these first weeks on a new job that your boss and colleagues form the most lasting impressions about you. The following suggestions can help you make the most of this new job opportunity:

Establish yourself
The truth is as soon as you step into a new job your colleagues will pass judgment of some sort. It’s important to create a positive first impression by being friendly and warm. This immediately forges the beginning of business relationships that will become important as you settle into your role.

Don’t jump in with major changes
Often times new employees are expected to come in and make changes as well as bring new ideas to the table. Although this is true it’s important to first understand the exact challenges of the project but also listen before you jump in with any solutions. The first months at a new job is the best time to earn the needed respect and trust of other employees. So, listen, learn and ask intelligent questions.

Know the right people
In any organization, it's oftentimes the secretaries, admin, and office staff that really make things happen. It’s important to early on establish who is the real ‘go-to’ people that will help you to settle in much easier and will be able to perform miracles at the last minute when needed.

Understanding team dynamics
In any job, there will be some teamwork required and as the new guy, everybody is looking to try and decide what type of team player or manager you would be. Those first months are crucial in establishing what roles each member of your team plays. In addition, you want to access the strength and weaknesses of each person to understand how you would be able to grow and develop each one.
Earning people's trust and respect takes time and it’s important to understand that each person has their own career journey within this company that you might not be aware of. Spent time with people, ask questions and observe. The more you understand the team dynamics early on the easier it will be to get up and running.

Get on the same page as your boss
Clear communication from day one is important. Have a meeting with your boss regularly to understand what is important to him or her. It is always better to set the clear expectation so be careful to over-promise especially initially as you are still trying to understand the lay of the land. Understand upfront how involved your managers want to be but also what type of reporting they would require. Sorting out this early on will help you establish a productive relationship much quicker.

Show your value quickly
As the new guy, everyone is looking towards you for great new ideas and to solve their problems. Although you want to be cautious about jumping in too quickly and making big changes, it is also important to establish some quick wins early on to show your worth. Ask yourself: What are areas of opportunity in which you can quickly make an impact? How can you make that impact visible?
Talk with team members to identify gaps and find something that will be quick enough to execute and show immediate impact.

Starting a new job can be challenging but it also offers a host of new opportunities for your career. Starting out strong in your new job will help you to build a strong personal brand within your new company.

If you are currently on the lookout for a new position and want to take on the challenge of a new job, we can assist. Communicate Recruitment is a specialist recruitment agency, with the very best recruiters. Browse through our available vacancies, which include Finance jobs, IT jobs, Engineering jobs, Supply Chain Jobs, and Freight jobs, and apply now.