Monday, June 24, 2019

10 Smart Things to Do in a New Job

It's natural to be a bit nervous on your first day of a new job. You want to make a good impression and not mess anything up too much.

Chances are, you'll be fine. If you care enough about the job to be a bit nervous, that means you're going to try hard to do all the right things.

Still...some of you won't do the right thing. You'll make some rookie blunders that can damage your reputation.



Before you know it, your new job isn't going as well as you hoped and your new boss and colleagues wonder why you were hired in the first place.

I don't mean to make you panic. But I do think there are some "unwritten" rules that go along with a new job. If you follow them, chances are better that you'll make a smoother transition into the new company. Here are some things to think about:

1. Show up early (at least 10 to 15 minutes) and never be the first one to leave.
2. Be prepared with a pen and notebook to take notes whenever you are told something.
3. Learn the names of all the company leaders. Look them up on LinkedIn so you know their professional backgrounds.
4. Make eye contact with everyone you meet. Shake hands firmly and state your first and last name clearly.
5. Don't complain about past jobs, companies, roommates or significant others.
6. Smile.
7. Use your best manners. Don't eat anything stinky at your desk. Clean up after yourself. Only do grooming activities in the bathroom. Say "please" and "thank you."
8. Plan ahead. Review your calendar each day until you become familiar with weekly or daily meetings, know when you're supposed to be on conference calls, know when to file expense reports, etc.
9. Show respect. Even if you have a new or better idea, frame it respectfully to employees who have been there longer.
10. Walk around. Don't hide at your work station. When you refill your water bottle, go to the bathroom, get a snack from the vending machine or walk to a meeting, try to greet people by name. Try to take a different route each time so that you're connecting with new people each day.

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