Adjusting to Your New Job

Congratulations, you’ve landed an assignment—now what?

Stepping into a new job can be awkward, not to mention, intimidating. The skills you display and precedent you set in your first few weeks will lay the foundation for your career with that company. The sooner you are able to settle in and adjust to your new position, the sooner you’ll be able to impress your new boss. That means learning how to approach your work, your superiors and coworkers—so you can acclimate quicker to your new work culture.
To thrive in your new work situation, follow these tricks of the trade:

1. Learn what it takes to be successful in the new environment.

• Let go of your old way of doing things as it could hinder your transition to your new setting.
• Observe, listen and talk to new coworkers to increase your comfort level.
• Avoid making snap judgments about your new workplace.

2. Build the best possible relationship with your new boss.

• Establish a pattern of good communication.
• Develop a clear understanding of his/her expectations of you as an employee.
• Cultivate a good rapport, and always remember to be professional and respectful.

3. Develop relationships with your new coworkers.

• Step out of your comfort zone and get to know people.
• Keep your personal life personal. Keep your conversations professional.
• Avoid cliques and stay out of office politics.
• Choose your friends carefully. Do not become associated with the wrong people.

4. Go the extra mile by doing more than what’s expected of you.

• Improve your situation down the line by establishing a reputation early on for being proactive and hard-working.
• But always remember that you will be held to the standard you establish in your first few weeks. Make sure you only take on what you can handle to avoid unreasonable expectations in the future.

5. Find a mentor and get involved with extra-curricular activities.

• Joining committees or work-sponsored volunteer events are great opportunities to develop relationships with coworkers and to learn company values.
• By finding a mentor, you will learn the culture of your new environment faster, fit into your new job easier and gain seasoned insight from a superior.