Starting a new job is exciting, but it’s also a bit of a balancing act. It’s a time to showcase your skills while also integrating into the company culture and social environment. In addition, a successful start can set the tone for your entire career trajectory.
One of the best ways to start off on the right foot is by getting to know your colleagues, says HBS Career Coach Matt Spielman. He suggests arranging coffee or lunch dates with your immediate team members to establish personal connections and build trust.
This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get familiar with everyone’s roles and responsibilities, which can help you determine what areas to focus on in your first few weeks. For example, if you’re unclear about the goals of a particular project, ask your boss to clarify. If you’re concerned about getting up to speed on the technology your company uses, reach out to IT or HR for assistance.
You’re likely to be overwhelmed with information during your first week, so it’s important to take notes. This will help you remember key points and demonstrate to your boss that you’re serious about learning your responsibilities and meeting expectations. Taking notes also makes it easier to answer questions that may come up in meetings.
As you take in all the new information, be sure to listen more than you talk. Pay attention to how your peers communicate and to the general workplace culture. This will allow you to adapt to your new environment more quickly and become a true team player.
It’s also important to be open to taking on a few extra tasks in your first few days and weeks. If someone’s on medical leave, for example, you might be asked to cover a small (but important) part of their role until they return. Take initiative and be willing to take on assignments that aren’t in your formal job description to show that you’re a valuable member of the team.
A strong job description is essential for attracting and hiring the right talent, but creating a comprehensive document can be time-consuming. Fortunately, there are AI tools like Recruitee that can help you create an effective job listing in minutes. The tool’s natural language processing and ability to understand keywords helps it create a compelling, easy-to-read description that will attract qualified candidates.
In addition to creating an effective job listing, a well-written job description can serve as a legal document that protects the employer in the event of performance issues or litigation. By taking the time to craft a job description that aligns with your company’s goals, you can save both yourself and your new hires a lot of headache down the road.