Image source: http://www.cqlc.edu/sites/default/files/blogger_importer/s320/new-job.jpg
So you’ve landed a new job. Your resume made it to the top of the pile, you passed the test, got the offer, agreed to terms and You Are Employed!!! It doesn’t matter if you weren’t looking and the new job just “fell” into your lap, or if you’ve been pounding the pavement for a while…
There are things you can do before you even start the new job that will make surviving Day 1 a snap, and more importantly, will lay the foundation for success over time in your new role.
I recently hired a Director of Marketing. We hire very selectively at my company since each hire, besides bringing the needed skill set/abilities, must gel with the existing close knit team. I’d been looking for the right candidate for a few months, found this candidate, and when the dust settled, had an accepted offer with a start date three weeks out.
It didn’t stop there, though. The new hire took the initiative to continue breaking the ice with me before her start date. We met for coffee. We spoke on the phone. We exchanged emails. I shared details of a critical project, seeking her reactions and input. She shared ideas with me about how she’ll approach her new responsibilities. Through this informal dialog, both of us developed a better sense of one another’s thought processes and critical thinking abilities. It was a valuable ‘get to know’ experience for both of us.
Day 1 at a new job is stressful enough without all the added pressure of figuring out your new boss and colleagues. Here are 5 tips on steps to take when you’re about to become the “new kid on the block”:
1) Start the dialog before Day 1 on the job: Figure out how to get to know your boss before you start working for her/him, and do it. This is a great opportunity to establish the foundation for your future working relationship.
2) Get smart about company priorities: Use this “informal” dialog as an opportunity to learn about current projects — critical initiatives the company is currently undertaking — and what’s top of mind for your boss.
3) Do (more) homework if switching gears: If you’re crossing industry lines, or diving into a new function, do your homework. You likely already started the research effort when you interviewed and successfully landed the job. But, you need to continue climbing the learning curve. Extra research before Day 1 will pay dividends.
4) Get to know some of the team if you can: If possible, begin connecting with your future teammates before your start date – even if it’s only an email exchange or two. Positive working relationships are based on trust and reciprocity and take time to forge. There’s nothing like getting a jump on the process!
5) Communicate openly as the wheels turn: Freely share your ideas and your perspective on things shared with you.
Success or failure at a job is rarely pre-determined – it’s self-created/self-inflicted over time. Just because you landed the job doesn’t mean it’s yours to keep. Be sure to put your best foot forward – starting before Day 1 — and you will have a smoother transition into your new position and a springboard for future success.
Article Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/elenabajic/2013/04/11/new-job-success-tips-start-before-you-start/
