Starting A New Job

Starting a new job is like the first day of school for most people.

No matter the preparation, there are some challenges you have to deal with. When you get to your new workplace you are not sure of where to go, who to talk to, and what to do. This even becomes more confusing during the lunch break.

If you want to make the first day and month go smoothly, read the guide below from Redline because it will help you in getting off on the right foot.

Getting to know the team

You need to put in some effort.

It is impossible to be friends with everyone on your first day of work. But you should be enthusiastic about getting to know them, and also being passionate about the work. When you do that, your colleagues will see you as welcoming and more open.

Try to make time for each of your colleagues and know more about them. How long have they been working for the company? What positions have they held? What have they worked in the past? What do they do? There is a lot of information you can find out about your colleagues.

If there are social occasions like group lunches or after-work drinks, attend them – it is a good way to feel like you are part of the team. You also get the chance of knowing your colleagues at a personal level.

Knowing your limitations

When you start a new job, there is a chance you don’t know all of your objectives – making it important to know both your strength and limitations.

One thing you need to avoid is going in with too many expectations. You need to be realistic about what you hope to achieve in the earlier months. The worst thing you can do when starting a new job is setting up yourself for a fall. If it is your boss expecting unrealistic results, then make sure you address this issue before it becomes a serious problem.

Be careful not to overdo it. When starting a new job, it can be tempting to volunteer for everything because you want a good impression. Be careful so you don’t fall into that trap. Only take tasks that you can do well and ask your team members for help when you need a hand.

When you choose to do something, do it to the best of your ability and don’t accept half measures. Your boss is going to notice the effort you are putting in.

Avoid complaining

Different companies use different approaches when it comes to introducing new members to their tasks.

You most likely have a rough idea of what you are going to do because you had to include it in your application process and also during the interview. But you don’t know the ins and outs of the process until you have started the job.

There are some employers who offer introductory training that gives you a chance to know the ins and outs of the company. There are some that hit you with objectives and deadlines as soon as you report to your new job. Whichever the approach, be ready to get started with work and avoid complaining.

Speaking up

There is a difference between asking for help and complaining.

You most likely want to hit the ground running as soon as possible, but don’t expect to be an expert in the first couple of days or weeks. If you encounter something you don’t understand or need help with, then ask because it is not a sign of weakness.

If you ask for help, your employer might be impressed with your honesty. It is also a good way of learning something instead of staying silent and hoping the problem goes away.

Probationary periods

There are different practices that workplaces can use when it comes to probationary periods.

Most employers will use that time to provide support from a mentor and extra training. This way, they can make sure you are up to the job. This is also a good way of checking in on your progress and providing feedback after being on the job for a couple of months.

This can seem intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. You can ask your boss to go through your progress from time to time and also what is expected of you.