The first few days in a new job are exciting and nerve-wracking. You have many new people to meet, a new work environment to adjust to, and perhaps a whole set of policies and procedures to master. You want to impress your boss and colleagues, but you also have a life outside of work, and you don’t want to burn yourself out. Whether you’re entering your first job, getting a promotion, or switching to a different department within the same company, here are some tips to make the transition as smooth as possible.
During the first week, try to clear your personal plate as much as possible. This isn’t always easy to do, especially if your new job doesn’t follow a traditional 9-5 schedule. However, it’s important to remember that you will be judged on the quality of your work, not how long you stay in the office. If you are unable to manage this balance during your first weeks in your new job, consider asking your leader for more flexible work hours once you’ve spent some time establishing yourself in the role.
If you can, write an introductory email to your manager or team before your first day on the job. This will show that you are proactive and prepared to start your career at the company. This also gives you an opportunity to ask any lingering questions you may have.
In the days and weeks that follow, introduce yourself to as many of your new colleagues as you can. This will give you a chance to learn about their work styles and priorities, which can help you find a niche in the team’s dynamic. Moreover, it will provide a good foundation for future collaborations. If you can’t reach out in person, a quick Slack message or phone call is a good alternative.
After your first few weeks in a new job, you should feel confident that you have the skills and knowledge to perform your role well. During this time, it’s a great idea to set some goals for yourself, such as what you hope to achieve in your first 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days in the role. Creating this type of structure helps you to be more accountable, which can improve your performance and ensure that your supervisor is satisfied with your progress.
It’s also a good idea to assess your salary and benefits, as these can be major factors in your decision making. Make sure that you are being compensated fairly for the amount of work you are expected to do, and use websites like Glassdoor to compare your salary to other companies. Lastly, don’t forget to review your health insurance and PTO/vacation policies to understand the options available to you. You don’t want to miss out on the benefits your new employer offers!