Starting a new job is both exciting and intimidating. It represents new opportunities for career growth, improved income, and new challenges, but it also means adjusting to a new workplace, new people, and unwritten rules of conduct. In order for you to get what you want out of the job, you need to integrate with your new workplace and coworkers without ruffling feathers.
It’s not always easy to read the room and figure out how to become an effective part of the organization. The following steps will help you navigate your new job and be someone that your new coworkers will like and trust.
Have a good attitude
Your personal work ethic and standards are what make an impression on your new coworkers and managers. Starting a new job with a good attitude goes to ingratiate yourself with the people you’ll be working with. They get the feeling that you’re approachable, willing to learn and that you’re not coming in with preconceived notions about the company culture.
You’re also more likely to get cooperation from team members and people who you don’t work with directly. People tend to respond positively to someone easygoing who doesn’t get upset when asked a question about something they’re unfamiliar with and is receptive to suggestions and light criticism. This also helps you get into the flow of the company quickly as you can pick up on the general mood of the company culture.
Set personal boundaries
Never be afraid to say no when someone asks you to go above and beyond your limits. It’s one thing to take the occasional extra work to help someone out, but you don’t want to be the “go-to” person that everyone comes to when they need to leave early for one reason or another. Telling someone that you can’t help them at the current time serves to set a boundary that they’re less likely to test the next time they need help.
The main reason to set boundaries is to prevent people from taking advantage of your good nature and willingness to help. You can use the phrase “if I can, I will” when asked, as that informs the coworker that you’ll at least try to help them out. The phrase also gives you an out in that if you can’t, you’ve already set the expectation of possibly being unavailable.
Be a team player
Don’t let your newness hold you back when it comes to engaging with your coworkers. You may not be fully integrated into the office yet, but you do have skills that you can use to help others. Offer them up when you learn about someone struggling with a skill that you have proficiency with. Open-mindedness is another way that shows your coworkers that you’re willing to consider different ways of thinking as to how to get things done.
Try to stay out of office politics as much as possible, especially when you’re new. You don’t want to find yourself unconsciously picking sides, or aligning yourself with people who aren’t who they seem to be. Support coworkers regardless of how you feel about them, and praise them when they’re successful. People are far more willing to provide support when they know that they’re helping someone who will return the favor without strings attached.
Ask questions and seek guidance
Your coworkers are going to expect you to ask questions and look for mentors as you get settled into the job. It’s not a weakness to not know everything, and asking questions helps you understand how things get done in the way the company expects. Take notes, make sure you have clarity on the processes you need to perform, information on the employee guidebook surrounding things like break schedule and employment tax documents, and also don’t hesitate to ask more questions when you find that you have gaps in your knowledge. It takes time to learn a process, and your coworkers want to make sure you’re doing it right so your work doesn’t mess theirs up.
Seeking guidance in the form of a mentor gives you access to someone willing to share their knowledge in-depth with you. A mentor is someone who works to make you feel comfortable with your role while giving you the information you need to be effective. They’ll share their insights, observations, and experiences with you to help you get the full picture. A mentor is someone who’s usually available when you need them to answer your questions and give you their guidance.
Create alliances with coworkers
The purpose of creating alliances isn’t about picking a team so much as it’s about bonding with your coworkers. When your coworkers understand more about who you are as a person, they’re more likely to trust you and feel that they can rely on your support. In turn, they’re more likely to advocate for you to other coworkers and return the support when it’s needed.
The key to creating alliances is to be your true self. People don’t like being manipulated or lied to, especially when there’s something valuable to be gained through an alliance. Honesty is key to being a likable person, and you’ll find that it builds a stronger bond with your coworkers. It also makes it more likely that good things will come your way as you settle into your new job.
Dress for success
Showing up to your new job looking neat and clean in your business attire shows that you put in the effort to look good and perform at your best. Wearing a suit may not be mandatory, but it can impress people if it’s appropriate for the office setting. Make sure to pick a suit that’s got the right tailoring for the office setting. Selecting a highly tailored suit at an office that encourages business casual can make you look like you’re more uptight than you really are. It’s all about perceptions, and you want to present an image that you’re going to dress to fit the part instead of overdoing it.
Always be willing as a new employee
After the stress of passing the interviews and background checks, starting a new job will always bring with it a sense of uncertainty no matter how many jobs you’ve held prior. You’re working with people you’ve never met before, learning new processes, and figuring out how to apply your skills to the role. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, find out who’s the best mentor, and be ready to step up when asked. You’ll find that your coworkers respond by being supportive in various ways and are willing to help you find success in your new role.
About the Author
Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.
