You may have landed the new job, but the interview isn’t over just yet. The first three months in your new role act as an extension of the interview process, and your employer is looking for you to prove that you are capable of doing what you said you can. However, the first week isn’t the time to show off just yet.
Review these recommendations before starting your new position to make your first week as successful as possible.
Listen & Observe, Don’t Act
Although you should be on the top of your game, don’t get too carried away trying to impress your co-workers. The first week you should be watching, listening, and gathering as much information possible. Take it easy on the workload until you have a solid understanding of the company’s key players and how the organization runs. If you are struggling to figure these things out in your first week, ask. Don’t be scared to ask plenty of questions, however, make sure they aren’t questions you could have easily researched on your own.
Establish Expectations
After absorbing the knowledge from your new co-workers, figure out what your exact role is with your department, as well as the organization as a whole, by scheduling a meeting with your boss. In this meeting, you can set short-term and long-term goals so you know what to expect and how to manage your time to achieve these goals.
Set Good Habits
New job, clean slate! Now is the time to start fresh and drop all of the bad habits you had at your previous position. Take the time you have between training and shadowing to get yourself organized. Map out how you will spend each work day until you have mastered your new routine.
Stay Humble
It’s important to remember that you’re new. Maybe you were in a similar role at the last company you worked for, but I can promise you, you don’t know it all. Stand back and learn what your co-workers have to teach you, even if you already know how to do something. Don’t step on any toes in your first week. It will help you gain the respect of your co-workers, which will really help you in the long run.
Be Social
On another note, don’t take work too seriously. If you don’t take the time to get to know the people you work with, at least to crack a joke with once in awhile, chances are you’ll be looking for a new job in the near future. With that being said, be outgoing your first week. Walk around, introduce yourself, and join in on the celebrity gossip. If you get along with the people you work with, you’ll be more passionate about getting your work done.
Make your mark in week one, but be subtle. You will be more successful down the road if you test the waters before diving straight into the deep end.