How to survive your first week at a new job
September 2, 2011 - 12:47 pm
There are many "firsts" in life: your first steps, your first words, your first day at school, your first kiss. But few "firsts" are as exhilarating - or as terrifying - as your first week at a new job.
A 40-hour-a-week job comes with rules, responsibilities and expectations most people don't encounter in school. How do you get off on the right foot? Make a solid first impression? Get your co-workers to accept you? Convince your bosses that, in hiring you, they haven't made an awful mistake? And even though it's your first week at your new job, you should begin thinking about your management career paths and the career training you may need.
Here are some tips to help you survive - and thrive on - your first week at a new job:
* Keep current on company news. Since you were smart and talented enough to land this job in the first place, you've probably already researched your new employer thoroughly via its website and various Google searches. That's a good start. Now set up Google Alerts or similar news alert services to notify you of any further company news. Whether the news is good or bad, it's important you're up to speed before you even start your new job.
* Show up early - and be ready to stay late. To make a good first impression, arrive at your new job five to 10 minutes early. (Showing up a few minutes early every day can benefit your image as well.) And be prepared to leave a few minutes late. You don't have to pretend you're a workaholic - unless you are. Staying just five to 10 minutes beyond quitting time should let your new colleagues know you're not a "clock watcher."
* Overdress. When you went on your interviews, you probably wore your best business attire, made sure your hair was cut, shoes were shined and (for women), your make-up was clean and conservative. For your first few days at your new job, you should take the same approach. While at work, take time to look at how your co-workers dress and then slowly adjust your wardrobe to reflect the company norm.
* Be eager to learn. No one expects you to be an expert your first day on the job - or even your first month. Don't be afraid to ask questions. In fact, seek out opportunities to ask your co-workers and supervisors about your work in particular and your company in general.
* Take notes. Taking notes is not only a good way to remember details, but doing so also shows your co-workers that you're interested in remembering details.
* Do lunch. Whether your co-workers tend to go out for lunch or eat in, go with the pack. "Breaking bread" is a great way to establish rapport with co-workers and also get the local gossip people may be reluctant to discuss while on the clock.
Leaving the safety of school with all of its career training guidance for the adult world of steady employment can indeed be intimidating. But by taking these few simple steps - and learning to mimic the behaviors of those around you - you can grow easily into your new role and lay a solid foundation for years of success in the future.