Preparation is key to a successful start in a new job. Essentially, when you are still on trial for the first few weeks or months in the job and it’s important to set the right image from the moment you walk through the door on your first day. How do you keep up with the new job jitters? How do you manage to stick to the rules at work as a first-timer?
Beginning a new job is exciting and terrifying at the same time. It allows you to start over, learn new things, refresh your skills, take on new challenges, and even make some new work friends. You need to devise a way to get around your work and be able to impress your employer and coworkers alike. Below are tips to help you get a good start at work:
YOUR FIRST WEEK ON THE JOB: The DOS
1. Seek Out/Complete Orientation Materials And Instructions.
Take the initiative in learning what you need to/are expected to know. Most organizations do not have a perfect structure in place for orientation and training materials. One would think that on the first day of work, the employer would provide extensive, carefully organized training. But often the breadth, depth, and currency of orientation and training materials are underwhelming for the employer.
If you feel you haven’t received sufficient training, take careful notes, ask for instructions (print or online) and seek names of individuals who are considered—by the organization—the most knowledgeable in the areas you are trying to learn. Ask for recommended tutorials; if none are available or recommended, identify tutorials and self-directed learning opportunities such as general professional literature, continuing education.
2. Show Up On Time, And Dress Appropriately.
If the job demands that you report at 8 a.m. try to be there by 7: 50 a.m. If the dress code is business casual, you probably shouldn't wear jeans. You might even want to wear a tie on your first day (gents), or a business suit (ladies). Nobody will ever make fun of you for overdressing, at least not during your first day.
3. Shake Hands With Everyone You Meet And Be Open.
For the first time, your coworkers will like to welcome you by shake hands to formally usher you into the company. Almost everyone wants to congratulate you on your appointment as the new team member and probably like to know where you come from, your interest, and how you were able to land such a job opportunity. It’s a good courtesy to exchange handshake pleasantries, especially on your first day.
4. Handwork Should Be Evident In Your Work.
If it’s your first day, you will get grunt work. You will get over it. Don’t complain about it, and do it right. Take your time and if you have a question, try to figure it out. If you can’t figure it out, don’t ask right away. Skip it and compile a list of questions as you go. That way when you’re “done,” you can ask 10 questions at once as opposed to asking 10 individual questions and probably pissing off and annoying your supervisor/manager/mentor. Remember that being proactive will go very far. If you’re a “go-getter” you will without a doubt impress people.
5. Be Friendly Without Immediately Aligning Yourself with Anyone Employee or Employee Clique.
While we would like to believe that we measure everyone by their failures or successes, performance, and behaviors, an employer may judge a new employee by the company he or she keeps. Be courteous, respectful of others, responsive and friendly, but avoid forming fast alliances and friendships. Avoid stereotyping and incorrect assumptions ; wait to enter into a workgroup/social network until you have a feel for which group is the best fit.
YOUR FIRST WEEK ON THE JOB: The Don’ts
1. Don't Get Caught Up In Office Gossip
Whether it's over lunch or around the proverbial water cooler, gossip happens in every workplace. Neither ignore nor share it. Keep your ears open but your mouth closed. You may learn valuable information, for example, your boss's foul mood is due to his having a difficult time at home, and he isn't always like this. Don't contribute anything to the conversation. Also, keep in mind that not everything you hear is true.
2. Don't Assume Anything About Details Like Your Working Hours
The manager of the human resources department should let you know when to arrive at work and where to go when you get there. If it's a couple of days before you are set to start your job and no one has given you those details, call or email your contact person. Don't assume you know when to get there and risk arriving late.
3. Don't Ignore Coworker’s Offers Of Help
Graciously accept assistance from your coworkers. Don't worry that it will make you look helpless. Many people welcome the opportunity to help newcomers. It makes them feel good to do it, and it can form the foundation of a good workplace relationship.
4. Don't Share Personal Information
It is usually unwise to share personal information with your coworkers, but it is a particularly bad idea when you first begin working with them. You need time to determine who will keep that information confidential, who will spread gossip about you, and who will seize the opportunity to use that information to undermine your authority.
CONCLUSION.
All in all make sure to be an open, hard-working, driven employee. Make friends, don’t be an introvert, and be sure to stay focused when it’s time to stay focused.
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