How To Successfully Start a New Job
Are you nervous about starting that new job you've just been hired for? New jobs involve a lot of change, which can be stressful. But there are several ways you can set yourself up to get off to the right start.
Remember that almost everyone has had a first day at a new job and has been nervous about meeting new people, working for a new company, and taking on a new role. Even though it's exciting, it can also be nerve-wracking. Here's how to minimize the new-job jitters.
Learn What and Who You Need To Know
There are basic computer and mobile device skills that employers expect employees to have. Be sure yours are current. If there are specific job skills you'll need for the new role, take the time to review the job description to make sure you've got everything covered that you need to know.
Review the company website and social media pages so you’re as familiar with the organization as possible. Check the company page on LinkedIn. You’ll be able to see who works at the company and their roles, which will make it easier to remember the people you meet.
If you have any questions (and there are no silly questions when you're starting something new), check with human resources or your manager so you're prepared ahead of time.
Prepare for Your First Day
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to get organized. If you have a checklist of everything you need to do for the first day of work and check each item off (digitally or on paper) as you accomplish the task, you'll lower your stress level. Some of the things you'll need to keep in mind:
Figure out what to wear. What you wore to the job interview may not be what you'll wear to work. If you're unsure about the company's dress code, check with the hiring manager to learn the appropriate attire. That way, you won't be overdressed or underdressed. Have outfits ready for your first work week so you don't have to decide at the last minute.
Arrange the logistics. Have a plan for how you'll get to work, how long it will take to get there, and a backup plan in case of commuting or transportation issues. Do a trial run during rush hour if you live in a busy city, so you'll have plenty of time to get there. Plan on arriving a little early on the first day.
If you're working remotely, be sure you have all the equipment you need to get started and that all your technology is in working order.
Plan for childcare. If you need childcare, eldercare, or pet care, line up your caregiver and have emergency backup plans for care providers. That's especially important when you have children who won't be able to attend daycare or school if they are ill.
Get plenty of rest. As you head towards your start date, try to get into a good sleeping pattern. The more rest and refreshed you are, the easier it will be to assimilate all the information that's going to be thrown at you.
Make a list. Once you've figured out a plan for what you need to do to get out of the house or onto your computer, make another list. This one should include everything you need to do to start Day 1 of your new job. Review the list the evening before so you're ready to go.
Planning and organizing in advance will enable you to focus on your new job and not all the details of your work/life balancing act.
The First Day
Attend a new job orientation. If you haven't attended orientation before starting the job, you may participate in a new employee orientation to familiarize yourself with the company and its policies and procedures.
Be prepared to introduce yourself. You'll probably be given a tour of the office and introduced to your new coworkers on your first day. In an informal workplace, you may need to introduce yourself.
Have questions ready to ask. There's a lot you'll want to learn about your new employer and your role. Some information will be provided, but you may have to ask questions to learn everything you need. That can especially be the case when you're working at a small organization without formal policies and procedures.
The First Week and Beyond
Learn about the organization. Read and learn as much as possible about the company as you can. Review the company website, employee policies, and the employee handbook, if there is one. If there's anything you're not sure about, ask. It's always better to ask than guess, especially when you're new.
Take notes. It can be hard to remember who's who and who does what job. Writing down notes (and questions, too) is perfectly acceptable as you get oriented to your new role.
Watch, listen and learn. Some of the best things you can do when starting a new position is to watch, listen, and learn from your managers and colleagues. Even if you're the new boss, take the time to understand how the organization works, why things are done the way they are done, and how your team works before you start implementing change.
Have fun. Even though starting a new job can be stressful, it's also exciting. Immerse yourself in the company culture and do your best to have fun and enjoy your working life!
New & Noteworthy
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Unequal Pay: Equal Pay Day (March 25) was designed to show how long it would take women to catch up with what men typically earned last year. We haven’t made much progress, with women earning 83 cents for every dollar paid to men. According to the National Women’s Law Center, that can add up to a million dollars in lost wages over a lifetime.
Resources for Federal Workers: These resources for federal workers include information on applying for unemployment, job-searching tips for returning to the private sector, and resources that will help you find job listings, training programs, and career coaching assistance.
Our Favorite Tips and Tools
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Your Rights When Your Job is Terminated: A layoff can happen to anyone, sometimes without warning. If you're employed at will, as many employees are, your employer may not need to have a reason to let you go or give you any notice. Review information on your rights when your job is terminated so you'll be prepared if it happens to you.
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