Work & Money

With this tip, you will succeed in that new job

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After all those motivation letters and nerve-wracking job interviews, it has finally worked out: you have a new job. The fact that that search is over is of course wonderful; but actually, the real work only starts now. You have to prove that you didn't just come out of the battle as a winner. But how do you make that perfect first impression? No panic, career experts have gathered nine tips that will ensure that new job becomes a success. Pen and paper at the ready, here they come.

Get to know your role

In that first period, a mountain of information will naturally come your way. All those new tasks, colleagues, and ways of working can be quite overwhelming. To find your footing as quickly as possible, it is important, according to leadership consultant Elizabeth Lotardo, to know exactly what is expected of you. By delving into what your role is and how it contributes to the company's goals, you will better understand why certain plans and choices are made and how you can contribute as effectively as possible. It is therefore not strange to regularly brainstorm with your managers in the beginning. This way, you align your ideas and also show that you are doing everything you can to become a valuable part of the team as quickly as possible.

A 90-day plan

Contributing as effectively as possible to the company's goals is important, but that doesn't mean you should set aside your personal ambitions. What do you want to get out of this new role? To keep those plans in sight, career expert Tracey Newell suggests creating a 90-day plan. Once you have a clear understanding of your tasks, you can set a goal that you want to achieve within the first 90 days. Start with one big goal, surrounded by some smaller plans. For example, it could be to take on at least one major project. Smaller goals like participating in meetings and getting to know your colleagues better will help you achieve that larger plan. This way, you always have something to fall back on and ensure that you derive satisfaction from your work. Not unimportant, of course. It can also help to share your plan with other employees or your managers. They can brainstorm with you and help you achieve your goals, and it is also a way to show that you are willing to go for it.

Good work relationships

Joining a team as a newcomer is not easy, which is why, according to Alison Campbell, founder of burnout prevention company unBurnt, it is a must to immediately mingle with the group. This goes beyond just shaking hands; it is important that you genuinely show interest in your colleagues and what they do, especially if you are going to work together directly. According to Campbell, this not only helps build trust, but it will also be positively beneficial for your learning process. If you are enthusiastic, that will be contagious to your colleagues. There is a good chance they will want to help you settle into your new role more quickly. So don't be afraid to ask for help or feedback. But what if you work from home a lot? Even then, you can work on those work relationships. According to consultant Ashley Kera, it helps to make yourself visible. Participate in online meetings or schedule a call yourself. You may not see each other in person, but this way, you stay in the picture.

Know the company culture

Every company has its own way of communicating. It will take some time before you have made all those habits your own. To make that process a bit easier, according to Kera, it is good to actively pay attention to that company culture. Are meetings very formal, or is there room for a joke? Is it normal to walk over to someone's desk with a question? Is anything organized outside of working hours? All questions that will help you settle into the team more quickly. Don't be too hard on yourself in this regard. It can happen that you say something wrong or that a situation doesn't feel quite right. All your colleagues had to learn this too.

Don't rush things

It is natural that you want to prove yourself, but you need to be careful not to go too hard and only focus on showing what you can do. Those first weeks, according to Kera, are about much more than just performance; it is important to observe as much as possible, listen, and ask questions. By showing curiosity about the habits within a company, you can not only grasp them more quickly, but you also prevent stepping on someone's toes. Enthusiasm and initiative are good, but you will primarily need to adapt in the beginning. Once settled, there will be room for your own touch.

Be a team player

With that new drive to prove yourself, you may be inclined to do a lot on your own and go for personal success. However, according to Kera, that is not the way to go. Your colleagues are your teammates, not your competition. It works much better to seize opportunities that focus on collaboration. Instead of criticizing others“ ideas, you can look at how you can complement them. Think as a team and also celebrate your joint achievements. ”Success is not about surpassing others, but about strengthening the team," says Kera. So don't be afraid to give your colleagues colleagues some credit from time to time. This makes you more credible as an employee and fosters a sense of trust. Being well-liked in the group will only boost your work performance.

Make sure you participate

Although it is wise to observe a lot in the beginning and perhaps be a bit more in the background, that doesn't mean you should sit still. According to Campbell, it is good to take on some tasks here and there from the start, no matter how small they are. This way, you show that you want to contribute to the company and take the time to really get to know all the ins and outs. If your boss knows that you appreciate and want to seize all opportunities, you will also get more possibilities in the future. This also means that colleagues will involve you in projects more quickly if they know you are open to collaboration.

Go with the workflow

Just like every company has its own way of communicating, each also has its own work pattern. The processes and tools used to achieve goals vary everywhere. That can take some getting used to; you might find another way of working a bit more comfortable. However, according to Campbell, it is good to just go along with the workflow in the beginning. This way, you show that you are committed to the company and willing to learn. That doesn't mean you can't express your opinion. If your input is requested on certain projects or choices, you can be honest about it; as long as you remain respectful and don't push your point, new suggestions are often more than welcome. And the longer you work somewhere, the more freedom you will have to do your own thing.

The success mentality

Settling into a new job doesn't happen overnight; it takes time. According to Kera, it is important to have the right mindset mindset, a success mentality. Be aware that being new somewhere is exciting, but make sure that uncertainty doesn't get in your way. Work on your confidence and credibility within the company and show that you want to. Nothing comes easy, and you will have to (keep) work hard to seize opportunities and achieve your goals. But with good will and self-confidence, the path to success lies at your feet. These tips can at least give you a push in the right direction.

Source: The Every Girl |Image: The Bold Type