Starting Your New Job with Confidence
Nearly all of us will change jobs a number of times in our career. Sometimes it’s a lateral move, sometimes it’s a new job after a layoff, and sometimes we advance to a new role.
Here are four great tips that will help make the transition a little easier. But first, a reminder: First impressions count. When you’re starting a new job, there’s nothing more important than creating a positive first impression. It’s a lot more difficult to change the way people might perceive you than it is to create a good impression in the first place.
Listen to your coworkers, to your supervisor, and to your heart and your intuition. This last one is most important. God cares about you and how you help others. In times of stress He will provide you with direction. So be open to His voice.
All this really means is to not make judgments too quickly, and don’t gossip. Just take it all in. Be objective, don’t form alliances, and learn something from everybody you work with. In short, don’t get caught up in office politics.
Work with your supervisor to clearly define the objectives you will be measured by. This is the time to ask questions, to ask for resources, and to have conversations with people who can help. Set a schedule of people your supervisor would like you to talk with. Make a list of the most important skills you need to sharpen. Make a reading list and hit the books nightly. Be deliberate and meticulous. This is the phase where employers are the most forgiving of your mistakes, and the most helpful.
Be the first person to compliment the whole team on successes, and the first person to take responsibility for failures. This mix of humility and accountability builds camaraderie.
Now, relax. And make sure you celebrate the change. You’ve worked hard, and you are going to keep working hard and learning new things. Look forward to what you are about to experience.