Day-One Do’s and Don’tsThe first days on a new job can shape your future, for better or for worse. Here’s how to get off to a polished start. Melanie Wanzek |
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 [ 2009-10-30 ] |
You rocked the interview, the company made an offer and now you can finally take a moment to breath.
But don’t relax for too long, or your new job may be on the line.
Most job advice revolves around activities leading up to a job offer, such as building your résumé, preparing for an interview and networking efficiently.
However, once a job seeker receives an offer, the strategizing isn’t over. It’s important to enter your new position with responsibility and tact, avoiding missteps that might put your job or professional relationships at risk.
“Starting a new job is counterintuitive,” says Marilyn Moats Kennedy, founder of Career Strategies, a management consulting firm in Wilmette, Ill.
“People want to fit in and they want to be liked, but the first day they need to just get the lay of the land and figure out what’s happening in the company.”
To avoid missteps, begin by seeing yourself as an expert interviewer of your co-workers. Kennedy says the first mistake a new hire often makes is to not introduce himself to each person in the office. Rather than waiting for them to come to you, set a good foundation for future relations by being warm from the start.
Plus, she says, you need to find out how the business is doing and recent developments that are important to the company. Your new co-workers can tell you information that wouldn’t have turned up in your previous research.
As you get to know others in the office, make sure you act as sharp and professional as you did during your interview — and stay that way.
“A lot of people will stay dressed nicely for about a week and then slack off,” says Hallie Crawford, an Atlanta-based certified career coach. “It’s fine to go along with the culture of the company, but you still don’t want to become a slob at work. It really makes a difference in the message you send as a new employee.”
New hires also can make the mistake of starting with an unclear picture of what is expected from them. Don’t be afraid to get clarification from your boss on your job description and what projects you are expected to tackle first.
In addition, Kennedy recommends taking the time to go through your predecessor’s files if they are available to get an idea of the work he or she recently completed.
“This seems elementary, but no one remembers to do it,” she says.
Kennedy says it is also helpful to schedule a brief meeting with your boss after a week of work to explain what you have done and ask whether or not you’re on the right track.
Crawford adds that as you become comfortable with what’s expected of you, don’t try to ask for too much up front.
“People will think they can make special requests because they now have job security, but you need to pay your dues,” she says.
“Flex time, working from home and vacation time are things you can ask for after you have shown you deserve it.”
Instead, concentrate on producing quality work that you can later use as a platform for particular needs or wants.
Furthermore, make sure to offer your opinions thoughtfully as that respect is being earned. Crawford says many people enter a job with energy, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a good impression, but they should approach situations with sensitivity.
“Sometimes people will barge in with all these changes, ready to reinvent the wheel,” she says. “But maybe the company has already tried some of the things you are suggesting and they didn’t work, or maybe they have a tried and true way of doing things for a certain reason. Be tactful when you offer up your ideas.”
As tempting as it may be to tap into the office gossip circle, avoid getting involved here at all costs.
“When people try to pull you into their cliques just say, I have no idea what’s going on, I barely found my way to the bathroom and the coffee pot,’” Kennedy suggests. “I would just avoid all political activity for at least three months.”
Also remember that these days office chatter is more than just verbal. Avoid posting commentary about your new company or coworkers on any social media network, including blogs, Twitter and Facebook.
Information travels faster than ever. Taking the chance to vent online isn’t worth the possible consequences.
Finally, don’t ever make the mistake of thinking you are too old, experienced or smart to making mistakes in your first weeks in a new job.
“All of this advice is for everyone. The older worker makes as many mistakes as the younger one,” Kennedy says.
“After you work 20 years you figure you know it all, but that’s how you get trapped in some of these mistakes.”
Are you aware of substance abuse in your workplace?