Setting Expectations in a New Job
So you passed the interview phase, signed all the important documents and now, it’s your first day at your new office. Starting a new job is always a bit nerve-wracking, but with some preparation, you can kickstart your next career with confidence.
The most important thing to remember when you’re transitioning into a new role is that adapting takes time. You don’t have to be the most popular person there on your first day or even your first week. As long as you take initiative and wear a smile, you will get to know your coworkers, interact with management and find your place in the office culture.
Read on for some helpful tips to succeed and fit in at your new job.
Introduce Yourself to Everyone
It can feel awkward starting conversation with a stranger in the break room, but would you rather make your own first impression or leave it up to circumstance? Starting a new job is the perfect time to build some soft skills, too. If you’ve always wanted to become more extroverted, this is the perfect opportunity.
Every work culture is different, but most companies nowadays thrive off a relaxed atmosphere that harbours open communication and teamwork. That being said, you can’t expect everyone to go out of their way to talk to you, so start things off on the right foot by introducing yourself to everyone when it’s appropriate and finding something small to talk about.
Understand How Your Manager Measures Performance
Expectations are different in every work place. Your manager may be the laid-back, treat-me-like-a-friend type or more serious and results-driven. Understand the key performance indicator (KPI) your boss looks for and understand how that will affect your career. A KPI can be the average deal size, time spent on certain projects or the revenue per client. It all depends on your industry and the business’s objectives.
Performance expectations may be different from what you thought based off the job description and hiring process, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to fail.
Understand Your Role in the Company’s Success
Even if this is your first position in a new career, your job matters. Finding meaning in your new job will not only make you happier but also boost your performance. Learn about the work culture, company history and the greater impact of your work. Understand that KPI isn’t just based off your contribution to the company; everyone’s work makes a difference, and recognising the importance of your own role in the grand scheme of the business will give you a newfound appreciation for the job.
Find a Friend and Learn to Enjoy Your New Office Culture
It may not feel easy, but you aren’t the new kid at high school. Everyone in the office was new once, too, and most people are a lot friendlier than they initially appear. Some may be more guarded than others, but you only need one or two friends in the office to feel more comfortable.
Finding out where you belong in the office culture can take some time, but be patient and stay positive. Your performance should always come first because your boss as has many expectations for you as you do for the new job. However, remember that this is a new place, which means you may have to adjust your own habits to thrive. That’s okay; consider change an opportunity to grow. With the right mindset, even the more challenging and unexpected aspects of your work culture become valuable lessons.
Final Thoughts
Starting your new career is an exciting time. You may be nervous, excited or even dreading your first day a little, but that’s okay. With time, you will find where you belong in the office and make friends with your coworkers. Stay focused on your team, learn to ask well-timed questions and show initiative. Remember, you were hired for a reason. You’re qualified and capable, so you don’t have to question your worth in the workplace.
