5 Tips for Starting a New Job
The month of September often signals not only the back-to-school season but also the beginning of a new professional role! After the summer break, many people contemplate their career choices and may be tempted to explore new opportunities. Moreover, in the current labor shortage context, the allure of seeking alternative employment is stronger than ever, as individuals are highly sought after.
Did you know that, on average, we change jobs 12 times during our career?
Although this number may seem high, a job change remains a stressful moment for most individuals. It’s essential to be prepared for these changes. While the employer has the responsibility to welcome you on the first day, provide necessary materials, offer required training, and set the conditions for success, you also play a crucial role in transitioning to this new role.
Here are 5 key tips to consider when starting a new job! 👇
1- Conduct Your Own Research Before Your First Day
Before your first day, we recommend researching the company. Check the website to understand the products or services and explore social media to learn more about the culture, environment, values, and employees. Review your job description if you have one. If your future manager hasn’t contacted you yet, follow up with them to address any questions about the first day. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about start time, dress code, training procedures, documents to bring, and where to get coffee, etc. Having a bit more insight into the first day’s proceedings will help manage your expectations and reduce the stress associated with this new beginning!
2- The Importance of Connecting with New Colleagues
When starting a new job, the primary goal is to connect with your colleagues! The insecurity of a new role and new responsibilities often compels us to spend too much time familiarizing ourselves with the technical aspects of the job. While we aim to be competent and comfortable quickly, we sometimes forget to introduce ourselves. Typically, we limit network development to our team and department members. Take the time to introduce yourself at all levels of hierarchy (when permitted) and to members of departments that will collaborate with you. Participate in department activities, lunches, and social events. This way, your network will expand, and you’ll gain a better understanding of the organization’s structure, culture, mission, values, and all the unwritten rules not found in the company policy. Build your network of allies who will support you in learning the technical aspects and be there for you when facing challenges or making tough decisions. Make yourself known, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from your new colleagues—they are there to help you integrate!
3- Clarify Your Role, Expectations, and Objectives with Your Manager
Changing jobs can be a source of motivation for many. You enter a new environment, meet new colleagues, and assume new responsibilities, experiencing a “honeymoon” period that often makes us forget the importance of taking the time to clarify your role, responsibilities, and objectives with your immediate manager. This clarification is crucial because, while everything was clear at the time of the offer’s signing, certain tasks, responsibilities, or project priorities may have changed since then. Ensure you have clear, precise, and measurable objectives, along with frequent check-ins with your manager. The key is to receive constant constructive feedback to ensure you meet the required targets.
4- Don’t Stick Solely to What You Know
Before leaving your previous employer, you were possibly a key resource for them, knowing your environment, departments, and all the processes related to your job inside out. Your new employer hired you for your expertise. That being said, keep an open mind! The mistake is to believe that you’ll succeed in your new role by doing exactly what you did in your previous position. It’s important to be aware that your new role will require revisiting some notions you took for granted and acquiring certain skills that will help you navigate your new responsibilities more effectively. Take a step back, give yourself time to understand your new employer’s processes, and you’ll have a more critical perspective, collaborate more quickly, and add value!
5- Ensure You Have a Clear Game Plan
Your immediate manager probably prepared an onboarding and training plan for you. However, take control of this plan and don’t hesitate to ask for additional training, clarification, and discussions with different stakeholders. While the manager should have a good idea of the training elements, there’s nothing better than yourself to know your strengths and weaknesses. Take notes, ask questions! Have the courage to ask for feedback and be honest and transparent with your manager. Don’t be afraid to seek validation but also share your concerns, questions, and successes! Don’t leave anything unresolved and quickly clarify your queries in the process.
It’s normal to feel nervous during a job change. These 5 tips will help you better manage the stress of the first day, give you more control over your integration, and, consequently, enhance your success with your new employer!