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10 Ways to Start Your New Job Right


10 Ways to Start Your New Job Right
  • AuthorClara Boles
  • DateApril 11, 2023
  • MediumNewsletter Article
A new job, a new role, a new organization. In a way this is kind of like a fresh start! Try to take this new experience in and really make it the best it can be.

It’s here- the first day of your new job! Don’t worry, those first day jitters are normal and to be expected! Starting with a new company is a big deal and should not be taken lightly. So here are some tips to not only set you up for success now, but to keep your success going as your career develops.

 

 

  1. Preparation is Key

 

The more you can prepare ahead of time, the better you will feel when going into your first day with a new company.

 

Prepare your mind by looking up the company’s website, learn as much as you can beforehand. While you are on the website, peek at the “About Us” section, sometimes companies will have their employees listed and you can see who your new coworkers are. To learn more about your company, you could also check them out on social media.

 

Prepare yourself! Try to get as much personal preparation done the night before. This could be packing your lunch, setting out your clothes, or even just going to bed early as tomorrow will be a big day.

 

 

  1. Promptness

 

If you are well prepared, your promptness should come naturally, as nothing is holding you up! Hopefully, these tasks will build into habits, and you can make it a priority to be prompt to meetings, workdays, and tasks in your career.

 

Also, keep in mind that employers really want to be able to rely on their employees; being prompt and not having to be reminded of something or showing up late is a big part of that.

 

 

  1. Be Open to the Learning

 

Most companies do tasks differently, so be open to training and try to soak in as much as possible. Also try to find some way to retain this information, I always recommend taking notes. Just keep in mind that the learning is never over. This is a great opportunity to learn something new and expand your skill set.

 

 

  1. Find an Organizational System that works for you.

 

To be as efficient as possible, it is important to stayed organized. This could mean organizing notes, files, deadlines and setting reminders. Try to find an organization system that works for you or ask your manager or coworker how they stay organized.

 

Personally, I prefer setting up most of my organization in my Outlook calendar, as well as keeping a running to do list.

 

  1. Get Outside of your comfort zone!

 

For some, this might easy, for others, getting outside of their comfort zone is a daily struggle. It is odd to think about, but right now will be the easiest time to get outside your comfort zone. Odds are no one at this new company really knows you too well. Don’t seclude yourself from others, even though it might be the easiest thing to do.

 

 

Here are some ways to get to know your coworkers better:

 

  • Eat your lunch in the breakroom, get to know your coworkers as people and not just coworkers
  • Attend the optional coffee chat or cocktail hour.
  • Sign up a company wide volunteer opportunity.

 

 

  1. Ask Questions

 

I know what you are thinking. The company hired me for this role, so I should know how to do the job. Well, get that thought out of your head. Yes, you should know how to do the overall job, but there is no way you should know how to do all of it without asking questions.

 

If you are too nervous to ask in front of the group, ask your manager or colleague one on one. (But odds are if you are questioning something, someone else on your team is too!)

 

 

  1. Try to not Assume.

 

Meeting new people and being the “new” person can make it difficult to take your guard down and, you may assume things about others. What do I mean by this?

 

Example: Say you have emailed your coworker asking for something, it has been a week and they still have not replied... You start to think in your mind they must be ignoring you since you are new… Really, they have something serious going on and are not able to check emails.

 

I give the advice to not assume something or make judgment in your mind before you really know what is going on.

 

 

  1. Be Open to Feedback.

 

Some people take feedback very well, some people do not. Just remind yourself that taking feedback early on is only going to make you a much more valued team member longer!

 

If, for some reason, you are not receiving feedback, ask your manager for feedback. This will also show that you have great initiative in your role.

 

 

  1. Try and be the Best Version of Yourself

 

A new job, a new role, a new organization. In a way this is kind of like a fresh start! Try to take this new experience in and really make it the best it can be. Maybe your previous job was very stressful and overwhelming, maybe you felt like you were not treated right by your past employer. Keep in mind that all of that is in the past. Soak in this new season of change and try to not let the old bother the new.

 

 

  1. Set Boundaries

 

I was given this advice when I came into my first full-time career, and I am still very grateful I took it. Some boundaries you can be setting now are:

 

  • Understanding normal business hours and expectations, and when you are willing to work.
  • Not checking your work email after hours.
  • Taking time off and unplugging from work.

 

These may seem extreme to some people, but I think overall this will help you maintain that work life balance and prevent burnout.

 

 

Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you on your next NEW job! Need help finding your next new job? Set up your AgCareers.com account today and start exploring ALL the job and career opportunities.

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