Written by Keren Obara. Project Officer FCL.
Word on the street is, you just landed a new job. Congratulations!
Beginning a new job comes with a plethora of excitements. You are probably excited about the endless possibilities and feeling some anticipation as to what the future holds.
One thing is for sure: You’ll feel more confident and grounded if you spend some time preparing for this transition. To go into a situation prepared is the right thing to do.
Here are FCL’s 10 tips for starting out strong—during your first day, your first week.
Embrace Apprenticeship.
There is great pressure to prove yourself and show that you know. One risk is to fall into the trap of listening less, and talking more, or overstepping boundaries.
It is important to embrace apprenticeship. Be present and soak it all up. Your first day at a new job is exhausting, anyway. You probably won’t produce much, and that’s okay! Take time to learn and embrace this new opportunity.
Choose your first-day outfit wisely.
Decide what you’re going to wear the night before you start your job. It is important to choose something comfortable, professional, and appropriate for the new work environment.
Show up on time.
It is important to be on time in the first day of work, to create a momentum of proper time management. Here are some tips.
Drive your commute the morning before your first day so you can get a feel for traffic and note down which roads to take/ not to take.
Set a couple of alarms in case you slumber through the first one.
Budget 10 extra minutes for your commute just in case extra time is needed.
Use a real-life notebook to take notes.
I’m sure you’ll be full of questions on your first day—and you should be! Ask as many questions as you can, but make sure to carry a notebook around to write down your answers. Pen and paper are ways of communicating, I’m here, I care about what you have to say, and I’m ready to learn. Typing on your phone, even if you’re taking notes, sends the wrong impression.
Take in your surroundings.
Walk around your new workspace and just observe. Note the facilities, the layout, where the break room and fridge are, and where you can find a pick-me-up cup of coffee for your afternoon energy slumps. Also, take some time to settle into your own space. You might want to personalize your desk by bringing a few pictures or books from home.
Your First Week
You might feel like you’re drinking from a fire hose during your first week on the new job. Hang in there! Take it one day at a time, and keep these tips in mind:
Get to know your teammates.
Team building involves creating lasting friendships with colleagues. This improves project efficiency and overall comfortably while managing strategies and diversifying tasks between staff.
It is important to be bold and brave when meeting new people, many of whom are more experienced. Don’t hesitate to offer a firm handshake.
Get to know your leader.
One should go for crystal clear clarity on what is expected of them from leadership and management. This prevents making silly mistakes. It is important to build a mentorship relationship with one’s leader, as
Understand how the company is structured.
Most companies have an official organizational chart that explains the operating structure. Ask to see the organizational chart and have your leader explain how it all works. Who’s in senior leadership? How are big decisions made? What’s the process for growth? Get a sense of how you fit into the big picture, such that you can contribute where needed, without overstepping boundaries.
Learn the company culture.
Company culture is the personality, beliefs and values of the organization all rolled into one. For Friends Consult Ltd, the company culture is collaborative. Each staff works with the other to ensure maximum output.
Listen twice as much as you talk.
Take in as much information as possible before you start airing your own opinions. This is especially important if you’re stepping into a leadership position. As the old saying goes: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This brings us back to point one; young recruits must embrace apprenticeship.
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