First impressions matter – especially when you start a new job. It’s important to make an impact and distinguish yourself early on. The connections you forge, the value you demonstrate and the relationships you build will endure.
Hit the Ground Running
You don’t want to be seen as aggressive, but you do want to score some early wins and establish a foundation for success in your new role.
- Do your homework: Learn as much as you can ahead of time about your new company. Google people you will be working with. When you accept your job offer, ask your manager what you can do to prepare and be ready to contribute.
- Reach out: Start by familiarizing with and thanking everyone you meet during your interviews and hiring process. Let them know that you appreciate their support and confidence in you. Schedule brief meetings with key stakeholders during your early weeks on the job.
- Have a 90-day action plan. Document the details of what you want to accomplish. Share your plan with your manager to get their input and confirm that you’re on the right track. Base your plan on SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound – goals.
- Know your boundaries. Learn where your role coincides with that of your colleagues and what the hierarchies are, so you can add maximum value without stepping on toes.
Make Friends
Business is all about relationships. Be friendly from Day One. Even if you’re more comfortable staying in the background, step out of your comfort zone in those critical first weeks and get to know as many people as possible.
- Make a bestie. Gallup research has shown that close friendships at work increase employee satisfaction by 50 percent. People with a best work friend are up to seven times more likely to engage fully in their jobs.
- Connect on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is not just for connecting outside your company. It also should be one of your intranets. When a coworker accepts your connection request, they are more likely to check out your profile and learn more about you. At the same time, you demonstrate to coworkers that you are social media savvy.
Demonstrate Value
Prove yourself early. Look for opportunities to build others’ confidence in your skills and strengths.
- Get involved. Find projects, causes and initiatives that are helpful beyond your regular duties. Even if you don’t start on them immediately – so as to give yourself time to get acclimated – start investigating options for delivering value.
- Find your voice. Inject your own unique voice into emails, reports and discussions. This is much more effective than simply imitating the communication style of others.
As you transition into your new job, call on the professionals at PrideStaff Fresno to make it a successful career step. We can partner with you at every stage along your professional growth path – from perfecting your job search strategy to becoming an irreplaceable asset at your new company. Contact us today to learn more.