Not easy being a newbie

Being the office “newbie” can involve feeling unsure and anxious. Use these tips to get up to speed in your new role.

Tools & training

Ask for an organisational chart so you can see where everyone fits in. Also get a phone list with the names and numbers of each team member. Chase down promised tools such as business cards, mobile phone and internet connection. Be polite but persistent.

Smart organisations have induction programs but if nothing has been lined up, initiate meetings with different team members to find out how their role interacts with yours. Make the most of training sessions and take notes.  

Adapt your style

Career coach and author Max Eggert of Transcareer advises new starters to spend the first few weeks observing the office culture and the “behavioural” style of the most successful team members.

“The mistake most people make is to repeat the behaviour that was successful in their last  job,” Mr Eggert said. “While that might sound logical, that success may not be repeated and when that happens people usually work harder doing more of the same instead of adapting their work style to the new environment.”

A collaborative style might have worked in your last job where the new organisation requires an autonomous approach. This also applies to dress code. The corporate suit might make you look unapproachable in the more casual new office.

“Also get from your manager what he or she expects you to achieve in the first six months in quantifiable terms,” Mr Eggert said. He said job interviews are run by a number of people including human resources where you now need to know what your boss wants from you.

Ask questions

Career expert Bill Lang of Bill Lang International advises people to be proactive in learning about products, services, an organisation’s history and its people.

He said most new jobs include a “grace period” when co-workers expect you to ask obvious questions and ask for their assistance. Mr Lang also recommends being “reliable, flexible and punctual” although be aware of setting unrealistic expectations.

“If you start out working 14 hour days then people will expect that to continue,” he said. “Always be professional. If you make a mistake, learn from it and if you need to have an assignment clarified or a deadline extended, do it early in a project.”

Also, avoid office politics and walk away from any conversations involving gossip.

By Kate Southam, editor of careerone.com.au