Starting a new job can be a daunting prospect for anyone, whatever the level of the position, and it is important that you settle in and adapt to your new position quickly, in order to make the best impression in a new job.
Here is our advice on what you can do to make the most of the first 30 days in your new position:
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare
Prepare everything you need to give a good impression in advance of your first day – familiarise yourself about the company and your new role, plan what you are going to wear, what you need to take with you, and check your route and journey times (you don’t want to be late on your first day!)
2. Be clear about what is expected of you
Be clear about what is expected of you from day one. This goes over and above understanding what your new role involves. It is important to remember that your boss wants you to succeed, to fit in, and work well in the team. If you understand the company’s expectations, you can ensure you deliver and exceed them.
3. Network, network, network
Meeting lots of people can be a bit overwhelming and it is often hard to remember names, faces and people’s positions, so allow time to take the new information in. Don’t just get to know your immediate colleagues though, form friendships with people in other departments and parts of the business as well. Remember, first impressions count, so smile when you first meet people and shake their hands.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
In your first month there will be things that you don’t know about, which individuals are responsible for what, or how a piece of software works. Ask if you don’t understand your new company’s jargon or what abbreviations they use stand for. It is always better to ask than pretending you know, which could be a recipe for disaster.
5. Learn as much as you can
Your first month in your new job is a steep learning curve so take time to learn as much as you can about the company, its background, its expectations, its future plans, how it does things. You need to be curious and learn about the company’s unique culture. Listen, observe, shadow colleagues, and take up every training opportunity that is given to you.
6. Understand your company’s market and get to know its customer base
Take time to research your company’s marketplace and its customer base – who its customers are, their characteristics, and how your company meets and fulfils its customers’ needs. Also, perhaps take time to study the competition and the important driving factors in the marketplace in which your company operates.
7. Gain an understanding of how you will be measured in your new role
In addition to understanding what the company expects of you, you need to understand how you will be measured.
Your company may use a mixture of objective (measurable) metrics such as targets and goal-setting and subjective (rating by a manager) metrics, such as rating your dependability, cooperativeness and your judgement on a scale of 1 to 10, for example.
Understanding how your company measures new employees’ performances will give you the confidence to demonstrate your achievements in the first month and into the future.
If you would like any further advice on how to get the best out of your first month in your new role, our teams can help. Please get in touch with our consultants today.
If you’re looking for that new role and would like further advice on acing an interview, our UK-based team can help. Please get in touch with our consultants today. Contact us on +44 (0)1483 233 000.