Believe it or not, the average person has about 12 jobs in their lifetime. This means that changing careers and switching companies isn’t just common…it’s expected.
If you’ve ever started a new job with a new company, you know just how nerve-racking the process can be. There’s so much to learn and so much to adjust to that it’s natural to feel overwhelmed.
Though starting a new role is always challenging, there are things you can do to make the change happen more smoothly. Here are a few key tips for starting a new job everyone should follow.
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Do a Dry Run for Your Commute
When you’re starting a new job, first impressions matter. If you’re late to the office on your first day, people will remember and your manager will take notice.
This leaves them with the idea that you don’t care about your new job or aren’t invested in the company like they are.
The best thing you can do is do a dry run of your commute before your first day. See how long it takes you to get to the office. Pay attention to the flows of traffic at the appropriate time of day and try different routes to see which is faster.
If you can, make your commute twice before your big day. This way, you’ll know exactly where to go and how long it will take to get there. When your first day comes around, you’ll make it to your workplace on time without adding stress to the day.
- Get the Lay of the Land
One of the biggest challenges people face when starting a new job is knowing where things are in the building. On the first day at work, don’t hesitate to ask for a tour of the building.
During the tour, make mental notes of key locations like the bathroom, breakroom, kitchen, and managers’ offices. You can even jot down a few notes to jog your memory in the future if you need to.
If you can, try to find those key locations and walk around the building during your break. This will give you a chance to make sure you know where things are and find your own way around without having to ask your coworkers throughout the day.
Over time, it will improve your confidence and give you a greater sense of belonging.
- Set Small Goals for Yourself
The first month in a new position can be the hardest. There’s so much to learn and do that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t let the challenges of getting established in your new role deter you from staying in the position.
Instead, set small goals for yourself during that first month and celebrate when you reach them.
This can be anything from being able to walk directly to a manager’s office without having to ask for directions or successfully helping one of your coworkers with a task they were struggling with. Whatever your goals are, make sure they’re attainable.
If you think something might be out of reach, scale it back. This will help you feel more accomplished during the transition period.
- Be Willing to Ask Questions
When you’re starting a new job, it’s always tempting to appear as confident and highly skilled as possible right from the start. Though this is easy for some people, it’s a major challenge for others.
Impostor syndrome is a real thing and it creates challenges in the workplace especially when you’re new or starting in a new industry. So, what is impostor syndrome?
It’s the feeling that you’re not deserving of the new position or aren’t capable of doing the tasks your new job requires.
The best way to overcome that feeling is by asking questions. When you’re new, your coworkers and supervisors will expect you to ask questions and get clarification on new tasks. Use this to your advantage.
If you’re unsure about something, even if it’s something as minor as where the printer is, ask. It will save you time and shows your coworkers and managers that you care about your position and want to do things right.
- Participate in Gatherings
One of the biggest challenges when starting a new job is getting to know your coworkers. Though it’s easy to pack up and go home at the end of the day, try to participate in events with your new team.
If they’re going out after work, try to go with them for at least a little while. This will give you the chance to get to know your coworkers outside of the office. If the company is hosting a party, go, and interact with your team.
It may be tough at first, but the more time you spend around your coworkers and get to know their personalities, the more comfortable you’ll be in the workplace.
- Give Yourself Permission to Relax
Starting a new role in a new company is inherently stressful. Find ways to unwind when you get home during the week.
Watch an episode of a favorite TV show. Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Have a cup of herbal tea and let your thoughts about work fade into the background.
When the weekend comes along, give yourself permission to take the day for yourself if you can. Do something you love, get some good sleep, and you’ll be ready to face the next week with confidence.
Keep These Tips for Starting a New Job in Mind
Leaving a job you know in favor of a new position is a huge step for your career. No matter how big of a step it is, you can always expect the change to feel stressful and overwhelming.
Follow these tips for starting a new job and you’ll be able to adjust to your new role in no time.
Looking for more tips to help you transition into a new career smoothly? Check out our latest posts.
