Starting a new job can be stressful, overwhelming, and a little bit scary. But let's face it, we've almost all been there! That's why I've put together seven tips to help guide you to nailing your new role in the first 30 days. Let's dig in!
Embrace the ‘Newbie’ label
First things first, embrace the newbie label! You might feel like a fish out of water, but remember that everyone starts somewhere, and everyone has been in your position before, even if it might not feel like it. You're not expected to know everything right away, so take your time, learn as much as you can, and take the pressure off yourself.
Connect with your coworkers and build relationships at work early on
Connecting with your coworkers is essential to your success in your new role. These are the people who will help you navigate the office culture, show you the ropes, and bring you into the huddle. So, don't be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, and humanise yourself. For those who have worked with me or completed the Transform your Career program, they know how much I encourage the importance of relationship building to career success. Make this a key focus in your first 30 days, and you’ll be the Company connector in no time!
Set realistic goals
It can be easy when we start a new role to set unachievable goals for ourselves. Expectations like we must know everything end to end about the company by the end of the first week - and yet, in reality, this is not achievable. Setting realistic goals for your first 30 days is a great way to focus your energy and track your progress. Bonus points for then sharing these goals with your new manager - this is a great way to show yourself as a proactive individual who is thinking about how they can maximise their impact and value.
Ask LOTS of questions
When you're new, it's normal to have a lot of questions. And yet, I often observe people feel like they can’t ask them because they feel like they should already know the answer. Don't be afraid to ask questions. I think back to when I was leading a team, and I LOVED questions from new starters - it showed that they were really listening, and really invested in learning.
Take notes
In your first 30 days, you'll be learning a lot of new information. To help you retain it all, take notes! Write down important information, such as company policies, who’s who in the zoo, meeting notes, and project deadlines. Believe me, you’ll thank yourself for this later!
Learn the company culture
Understanding the company's values, norms, and culture is critical to fitting in and making a positive impact. Take the time to read to familiarise yourself with all the relevant company programs, ways of working, and be observant about the ways that employees collaborate or work together. Understanding the ‘real’ culture early on in the piece will enable you to have a deeper impact inside the organisation.
Celebrate small wins
Celebrating small wins is a great way to boost your confidence and keep yourself motivated. Did you finally figure out how to use that tough software program? Did you successfully complete your first project? Did you finally remember to bring your new access pass with you in the morning? Celebrate it - small and consistent steps equal big momentum over time.
Don't be too hard on yourself
Finally, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and that's okay. If you're struggling with something, don't be afraid to ask for help. And, most importantly, remember that almost everyone has been in your shoes before.
In conclusion, starting a new role can be equal parts exciting and intimidating, but by keeping these tips in mind you can help yourself make it an enjoyable new experience. Embrace the newbie label, connect with your coworkers, set realistic goals, ask questions, take notes, celebrate small wins, and don't be too hard on yourself.
Good luck!
If you’re looking for a deeper level of support on how to accelerate your impact inside your Organisation, perhaps my Transform your Career program is what you’re after.
Get noticed. Stand Out. Be an Impact Player HERE.