Into the Mix: Blending in at Your New Job
Your first few days on a new job are important ones. In those first days you are creating the impression that will likely stick with your co-workers and colleagues for the remainder of your time there. While most employers don't expect you to wow them with amazing breakthroughs or ground-breaking insights, they do expect that you will blend well with the rest of the staff.
Going into a work situation knowing this can be intimidating, so here is a list of seven tips for making your first few days of work smooth and ensuring that first impression is a good one.
Dress Professionally
How you dress speaks first. It won't hurt to check out what others in the office are wearing when you go in for your interview so you'll have an idea of what professional attire means in your new job. Don't go for the very casual, even on casual days, at least not at first. You never know who the next new person you will meet is going to be – maybe the district supervisor or even the CEO!
Keep Strong Opinions at Home
At least when you are getting started, try to keep your political, religious and social views, especially if they are more than slightly less than moderate, at home. It would be wise to do more listening and learning at this time.
Keep Personal Business at Home
Nothing annoys an employer or a hard-working co-worker faster than looking over to see the new guy chatting on a cell phone, checking email or, worse yet, scanning the latest web comics and sports scores during the work day. At least until you get a good sense of what the unwritten office policy is for these kinds of activities, keep it at home.
Maintain Good Attendance
Don't come to your manager's attention because you've been gone for three of the last 10 working days, or that you've arrived late and left early. Even if your buddy acts like that, until you get in the swing of how the office works, put in the hours you are assigned, without complaint. That includes not complaining about others who don't follow this rule.
Avoid Office Gossip and Troublemakers
This one should be fairly obvious, but more than anything else, getting caught up in a clique and swept into the politics and games of a job has ruined more than one person's chances of advancement and even success in the company. Smile politely and walk away (you don't want to become the next target, either).
Have a Good Attitude
Even if you were up half the night worrying about your new job, come in with a fresh face, a bright smile and enthusiasm for your new job. You don't have to become the office cheerleader, but you also don't want to chase everyone (who might help you out) away with a sour face and personality.
Ask Questions
It is better to ask questions now than after you have really made a mess of something. On the other hand, make sure you show that you can work unsupervised and have initiative. If you aren't sure, ask.
Landing a new job is an exciting occasion, and that first day, week, month of your new job can be stressful, exhilarating and challenging. Armed with these tips, you should be assured of a successful start.
