Thursday 15th April 2010

18 top tips on surviving your first month in a new job

The first month to six months of a job are the most overwhelming! You will learning job-specific processes and systems and building a new professional network, all while doing the job you were hired for. Here are our top tips on how to settle into and succeed in your new job.

Your First Week

1. Take care of administrative stuff

Pay a visit to HR and anyone else you need to see to get started. Complete the necessary paperwork and have your passport and driving licence ready. Get your computer passwords, building pass and voicemail system set up.

2. Attend an induction

Attend all relevant induction sessions. They are a good way to meet people who are also new and find out more about company systems and processes and culture. If you find you have time between appointments use the time to do online research. Understand your company's vision, main competitors, current challenges and industry trends.

3. Project positive energy

Look and act as if you're happy to be joining the team. Show appreciation to everyone who helps you learn the ropes and that you’re eager to learn by asking questions, watching your colleagues and doing extra work in your own time. Your boss wants to see that you are dedicated to your new job.

4. Ask questions

No one person holds all the answers or is always available. So it pays to identify your best sources for questions on different topics from your boss. If you don’t understand anything ask. It’s the only time you get to ask stupid questions!

5. Take Notes

Listen carefully to instructions and advice that people offer and write things down. Also if you repeat back instructions in your own words it will help you remember and ensure you understand things correctly. Listen 80 percent and talk 20 percent. You'll get more respect by listening and absorbing rather than by showing off how much you know.

6. Get to know your colleagues

Learn as many names as possible. Introduce yourself and find out what people’s roles are and how long they’ve been with company. If you're stuck on something, go to somebody you already met and ask who the best person is to answer your question.

7. Learn by doing

Jump in and start doing your work. Instructions and advice may get you started but doing is the best way to learn. Remember to check in with your boss half way through to make sure you’re on the right track.

Your Second Week

8. Get a clear picture of your boss’s expectations

Develop a clear understanding of your boss’s expectations of you to prevent any gaps in communication. Find out what your priorities and objectives are, how your performance will be evaluated and how often he/she would like to meet you for updates.

9. Develop a rapport with your boss

In the first few weeks, request regular meetings with your boss. He/she is not a mind-reader, so keep him/her informed of how you are doing. Just don't bring every little problem. For minor issues ask for help from your colleagues. Going forward, set up weekly or monthly catch ups to discuss your projects, ideas, questions and solutions. 10. Network Communicate in person rather than email whenever possible. Attend staff meetings and professional conferences. Ask your new colleagues if they’d like to lunch. This is a great way to find out more about the office culture. Also find out who the key players and decision-makers are.

Your Third Week

11. Get to know your boss

Ask your new boss how he or she prefers to communicate. Some bosses prefer face-to-face contact and some prefer e-mails. Understand the amount, type and frequency of information your boss requires. Your boss's preferences are important and the better you understand them, the better you will work with him/her.

12. Ask for feedback

Ask for feedback halfway through your first task or project to make sure you've correctly understood what's needed and that you're on the right track. If you are not, ask about ways you can improve your performance. If you are feeling overwhelmed or overloaded ask your boss to prioritise when she gives you a list of tasks and remind him/her of any other commitments.

13. Understand the office culture

Learn how employees in the new company operate, as it’s probably different from what you're used to. Observe and ask questions first before initiating any change. Never feel pressured to make quick decisions. You can always say "I'll get back to you", instead of taking quick decisions that you may regret.

Your Fourth Week

14. Keep up your consistency

Make sure that you are as professional now as you were on your first day but more importantly try and relax and enjoy your new role. Remember you’re still new to the team, so treat everybody with respect.

15. Find a Mentor

As you get introduced to senior staff, think about developing a mentoring relationship with a manager who is a level above you and not in your department. By finding a mentor, you will learn the culture of your new environment faster, fit into your new job easier and gain valuable insight.

16. Find solutions, not problems

Don’t take a problem to your boss without offering two or three possible solutions at the same time. You want your boss to think of you as a problem-solver. Tell him about a couple of scenarios and discuss the pros and cons of each and then come up with a solution together.

17. Track Accomplishments

Focus on doing a great job and keep a list of what you're doing right. It'll help you stay on track and will come in handy when it's review time. Your boss will no doubt have a lot of stuff on their plate and won’t always be aware of what you’ve accomplished.

18. Have a "How am I doing?" meeting with your boss

During this initial learning curve, it is normal to feel like your contributions are inadequate. You should speak to your manager for feedback to reassure yourself that you’re on the right track. It will also help you identify any professional development courses to go on.

Guest post by Nikki Ruth, founder of My CV and Me www.mycvandme.co.uk. Nikki offers interview coaching and career coaching service which are affordable and personalised.