Preparing to start a new job – a new job is often a new life, all too quickly we inherit the minds of other's
It’s late at night in a quiet suburban neighborhood. A man lies in bed, holding his eyes tightly closed as he begins to count backward from 100. It’s a trick he remembers from his grade school days, but tonight it’s not working. Finally, the man sits up and sighs dejectedly as the clock strikes 2 a.m. He has approximately four hours to sleep before it will be time to wake up, shower and join the morning traffic routine. Exasperated, he puts his head between his hands and breathes deeply. Tomorrow he will begin his first day at his new job.
To some, a new job is merely a change in scenery. However, to most Americans, a new job means a new life – a brand new city, a larger salary or a complete career change. Whatever it is, a new job can quickly change everything. Also, like the new kid in school searching for a lunch table to join, it’s also a time when people are at their most vulnerable.
Here are a few tips for avoiding the first day jitters and finding a niche in a new company:
Get to know your employer. Just as when preparing for an interview, it’s important to prepare for your first day. Use the internet to brush up on the company’s history, hiring practices, objectives and mission statement.
Keep in mind that attitudes are contagious. Forge relationships with positive, hardworking and friendly employees and avoid the negative and unhappy workers.
Remember that people are hired for their own ideas – not someone else’s. It’s never a good idea to agree with someone just to fit in.
Keep networking both inside and outside of the company. One never knows when the next great hiring opportunity or inspiring idea will surface.
Walk with the team before running with it. It’s important to get to know all of the personalities at play on a team and what drives each member to achieve their best.
Finally, those new to a job should remember not to begin campaigning for change unless it’s in the job description. In addition to seeming ruthless and impulsive, immediately proposing major change can also inspire a lack of trust from coworkers. Learn about the environment and key players to avoid overstepping boundaries. By making responsible choices early on, a new hire is more likely to move up quickly and prosper.