Getting a new job is a nerve-wracking experience. There’s the stress of the application process to consider, the headache of the interview, and the agonizing wait while you wonder whether you’ve been accepted.
Unfortunately for those who hate the process of getting a new job, the work doesn’t stop after you’ve been offered the role either.
During the first thirty or so days at your new job, you’re going to be under the watchful eye of your manager, supervisor, and even the head of the company. These people need to ensure that they’ve made the right decision in hiring you.
In some cases, you might even need to prove yourself before the end of a trial period to keep your new role.
So, how do you make a good impression during this crucial initial stage?
There are a few ways to start.
Start on a Positive Note
Start positively, with a good attitude. Rush into work each morning before you’re due to be there with a smile on your face and a can-do attitude. Make sure you look the part too. Dress to impress according to the standards of the company and look cleanly pressed before you walk through the front door.
If you’re working remotely, you can still try this strategy by sending messages to the group chat for your business first thing in the morning and getting dressed properly just in case you need to drop into any video meetings.
Get to Know People
You’re much easier to get rid of in a new company if you maintain your position of being “the new guy”.
For people to remember your name and get a feeling of affinity with you, they need to actually speak to you on a regular basis. With that in mind, make an effort to get to know as many of the people you’ll be working with as possible.
While you shouldn’t necessarily be a chatterbox while you’re meant to be working, you can always make time to socialize on your breaks, at lunch, and even after the workday is over.
Getting to know people and remembering their names will make you more memorable in return.
Take Initiative and Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to be the inquisitive type when you’re getting started in your new job. Staying quiet and blending into the background will mean people forget all about you, which might not be the impression you’re going for.
Failing to ask questions also means you’re more likely to make mistakes in your work.
Asking questions will show you’re committed to doing things right.
Just make sure you don’t ask the same things over and over. Make a note of what you discover and try to learn as you go.
It’s also worth taking initiative as often as possible, inquiring to see if there’s anything you can do to be more valuable or helpful.
Get a Mentor
We’ve already mentioned getting to know people, but if you really want to improve your chances of success, you can go beyond internal networking and choose a mentor.
A mentor is someone in a leadership position you can turn to for guidance.
You’ll need to ensure that this person is comfortable with being your mentor, but getting one can be extremely useful, as it gives you access to constant support and expertise.
Having a mentor also means you have someone in the business who’s invested in seeing you succeed. When someone chooses to mentor another person, they can’t help but feel a sense of responsibility for what happens to that person.
Set Goals
Setting goals is a great way to ensure that you actually accomplish things in your new role.
While it’s tempting to simply hold on tight and go with the flow during the first few weeks of a new role, you should always be looking towards the future. Setting goals will help you to figure out what to focus on as you begin to develop new relationships and work on your skills.
Goals will also come in handy when you have follow-up meetings with your manager to discuss how your new role is going. You’ll be able to talk about what you’re hoping to accomplish and show the person in charge that you’re envisioning a future with the company.
Although the first thirty days in your new role can be scary, using a plan with the tips above can make you feel like you have more control over the impression you make. With these hacks, you’ll be able to capture the eye of the people in your new job for all the right reasons and avoid missing out on a long-term position.
