Five Pointers For Your First Month On The Job

Five Pointers for Your First Month on the Job

You’ve just accepted a new job. The position is likely to be more challenging than your last one, and the people, policies and procedures will be unfamiliar to you. All these changes can be both exciting and stressful. While most managers understand you need time to adapt, they also will take note of how you do it.

Because first impressions are lasting ones, here are five tips to help you make the most of your first month on the job:

Start fresh.
When preparing to leave your old position, you’ll probably be busy tying up loose ends right up until you walk out the door on your last day. That’s why it’s important to unwind and clear your head before you begin a new job. Try to take at least a few days off between leaving your old position and starting your next one. If that’s not feasible, make sure you have a restful weekend and a good night’s sleep before your first day. Feeling refreshed will help you begin your job at your best.

Assess the corporate culture.
After starting your new job, spend some time studying the culture at the firm. Consider arriving 30 minutes early and leave half an hour late on your first day or two to get a sense of how many others in your group do the same. Also note whether your co-workers or manager are fielding calls or e-mails from home, as well as the prevailing communication style at work. Do your boss and fellow employees generally prefer e-mail, voice mail or face-to-face conversations? Consider the dress code: Are people in suits, or is it a business-casual environment? When and for how long do people go to lunch? Pay attention to unwritten company rules and adopt them as your own. Though some customs may seem strange to you, keeping an open mind shows you’re willing to be part of the team.

Clarify expectations.
It’s important to be on the same page as your manager from the start, so within the first couple of days, meet with him or her to discuss your responsibilities and how your position fits into the grand scheme of things. You might ask the following questions: What are the immediate priorities and issues that need to be addressed? How often and in what form should I provide you with project updates? How will my performance be evaluated? You may also want to request feedback three or four weeks into the position to make sure you’re on the right track.

Get to know the team.
While your boss will likely take you through the office to meet everyone on your first day, your introduction should go beyond, “Hi, I’m Rachel.” Take the initiative to speak to colleagues for a longer period of time, whether it’s over a coffee break, lunch or more formal one-on-one meeting. Your goal is to learn specifics about the other person’s role, how his or her responsibilities affect your own and how the two of you can most effectively work together.

Have a game plan.
Think like an executive by developing a strategy to guide your first 30 days on the job. Not only will you remain on the right path, but your plan also will serve as a useful tool for your first review. Include goals you hope to accomplish and steps you must take to reach them. For instance, you might set out to learn a proprietary software system or have lunch with at least three co-workers during your first month.

The tips above will help make your first month on the job a successful one, but keep in mind that it’s important to strike a balance: You want to exude confidence, but you don’t want to seem like a know-it-all who won’t adapt to a new environment. And, while first impressions count, so does enthusiasm; by displaying an upbeat, dedicated attitude, your boss and co-workers will be thrilled you’re part of the team.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.