Making a big career move or starting a new role can be intimidating, and adding an unstable world environment to the mix certainly doesn’t help.
One of our friends started in a new role this past week, so we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to cover new job tips! Here are 5 tips for a smooth job transition, tried, and tested by the LB team.
What do you do on the First Day of a New Job?
The first day on a new job is your chance to make a lasting impression. Confidence is key. Even if you’re not feeling particularly confident, faking it can make a difference in your demeanor.
You will likely only be doing training and other new hire things on the first day, but come prepared. Bring your lunch if you are unsure of what is available to eat, bring a touch-up bag with deodorant, chapstick, and any other little thing you anticipate needing. And don’t forget your smile!
Introduce yourself to everyone, even the parking lot attendant, barista or IT guy, you never know how far a little kindness can take you.
How Long Should it Take to Settle into a New Job?
Getting used to a new routine and work schedule takes a little time. Getting out of your comfort zone is worth it, so keep an open mind and heart to all the changes as you transition. Every job is different, so the settling in is dependant on a variety of things.
After about a month, all the training, introductions, and new stuff will likely have passed and you will have your commute and passwords memorized! This time will fly by and you will feel as ease sooner than later.
5 Tips for Starting a New Job
1. Plan Ahead
Know the night before what you are wearing, what you are bringing, what route you are taking, where you are parking, what time you are leaving, etc. It is best practice to arrive 15-20 minutes early to get your bearings, and this helps in case you get lost, or if there is unexpected traffic.
Planning ahead will help ease anxiety on the first day and have you arriving at your new workplace on time, calm and collected.
2. Remember Everyone’s Names!
You will likely meet a bunch of new coworkers and management at once, but don’t let that be an excuse to not remember everyone. Make a note on your phone after meeting each new person with a little something that reminds you about them.
Lot’s of workplaces even have a website with everyone’s name and a picture, which you can use as a reference, or use LinkedIn as a resource. Associating a picture with a name is extremely helpful for memory.
3. Dress to Impress, but be Practical
Wear something that is appropriate for the type of work environment you are entering, but your first day, or even week, is not the time to break in a new pair of shoes. Imagine trying to concentrate while your toes are screaming at you!
Also, wearing layers is a good idea, that way, if you are cold, you have a cover, or if you are hot, you won’t sweat through your shirt. Overall, wear what you are most confident and comfortable in.
4. Stay Organized
During the first week in a new role, you will likely have a ton of information thrown at you. Stay organized! Set up your calendar and email the way that works best to you, and connect it to your phone so you never miss a thing.
Sort your desktop with folders and save all your training docs, employee manuals, etc. in one place in case you need to reference it. Doing this at the beginning will save you a headache later on and decrease some of the stress you’re feeling.
5. Be You, but the Best You
It goes without saying, but be yourself! The best version of yourself. While you are settling in – smile, be friendly, and confident, even if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Set yourself up for success by staying hydrated, practicing gratitude, getting enough sleep, and taking care of yourself. If you feel good on the inside, this will radiate outwards.
Relax, You Got This!
A smooth transition into a new job will come naturally with a little bit of effort on your part. Remember these tips for starting a new job when you are feeling intimated, and that you absolutely earned and deserve to be there. So take a breath, you got this.
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