Congratulations! You’re about to start a new job. You want to get off to a great start. Here are a few things you can do to make that happen:
Dress the part. Your first weeks in your new workplace are not the time to try out interesting fashion choices. When you interviewed, you got a sense of what was acceptable work attire. Stick to that “uniform” for a while before branching out into more individualistic choices (if your workplace even allows that). Keep your boss and others focused on the fantastic job you’re performing, not on your dramatic clothes.
Take coworkers out to lunch. Spring for lunch for yourself and a few coworkers. Use that time to ask them about your workplace’s environment and expectations. Not only will you pick up some good tips for work, you may also pick up comrades.
Exceed expectations. If your assignment is due at 2 p.m., for example, strive to turn it in by 1:30 p.m. or sooner. A well-executed assignment turned in earlier than expected is sure to please the boss.
Keep your desk or workstation tidy. You may keep your home a bit cluttered, but don’t let your desk or workstation suffer the same fate. For one, you’ll be able to find needed items more quickly when your workspace is in order. Two, you don’t want the boss or others wondering about your state of mind; for some, a messy space may suggest you have problems. In fact, keeping your workspace tidy is one of those things you want to do all year-round.
Don’t take personal calls on the job. In your first few weeks at your new workplace, don’t give anyone a reason to criticize you for not being attentive to your job. One way to avoid such criticism is to reject all personal calls while at your workstation. You can have your personal cellphone with you, but keep it on a low volume or on silent. Let friends and family know that while you’re at work, they should contact you only in the case of a real emergency. It’s never right to take personal calls while working, but your workplace will probably cut you some slack after you’ve been there awhile.
Don’t surf the Internet on your phone or work computer. Only use the Internet for work purposes. This advice goes for EVERYONE, including those who’ve been on the job a million years. When you’re at work, don’t post messages on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets unless that’s part of your job. You don’t want to be seen as someone who steals company time.
Get familiar with all the workers on your team or in your department. You won’t have enough money to take everyone out to lunch, but unless there are dozens and dozens of people on your team and in your department, you can certainly become familiar with everyone. Learn coworkers’ names and jobs and chat with them over the cubicle wall or in the lunchroom. Keep conversations professional, friendly, and be engaged. Gain a reputation for being a down-to-earth coworker who respects everyone.
In closing, getting off to a great start in your new job will take you a long way in the workplace as the weeks turn into months and the months turn into years. Just like a house requires a strong foundation to stand, so does your career. Getting off to a great start in your job is the first brick to set down in that foundation.
