Starting a new job is bound to bring a mixture of excitement and nervousness, and as well as making a strong early impression on your boss, it’s important that you quickly settle into your team and establish working relationships with colleagues in other departments.
Here are our tips for getting the most out of those early weeks:
Be prepared to help – and don’t wait to be asked!
When getting up to speed, it is common to feel like everybody is so busy and you have little to do in comparison. Show that you are proactive by offering to assist with particular tasks – as well as giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge it will also give you a chance to learn more about the processes and systems that are used within the team. Be careful not to take on too much or volunteer for something which you are not comfortable tackling – and make sure you aren’t seen as someone who others can just offload tasks onto; your own workload and responsibilities will quickly increase as you settle into your role.
Be reliable – and if you need help, ask for it
Nobody will expect you to know everything straight from the off. Even if you are highly experienced in your role, you will still need time to get up to speed on the particular systems and working methods within your new company. If you are unsure about something don’t be afraid to ask – your colleagues would far rather take a little time out from their day to explain something than have to try and rectify any mistakes or redo a task. Also make sure that you are clear on any deadlines that need to be met and that you understand what is required from you and in what format.
Share your experience and be proactive
There will be much to get up to speed on in your first few weeks in a new role and whilst it is important to take time to learn about the business, don’t be afraid to demonstrate your worth and share your knowledge and experience. By making useful contributions to meetings, offering suggestions on alternative approaches to tasks and sharing your opinion on the best course of action you will show that you are someone who is keen to be involved and can be a team player.
Avoid office politics
It can be very tempting to join in and have a gossip in the office, but make sure you keep relationships professional especially in the early days when you are trying to establish who everybody is. Saying too much about a mutual acquaintance, sharing negative opinions about your former colleagues or company or making jokes at other people’s expense won’t do you any favours in the long run. Being polite and friendly and showing your worth through your efforts and expertise will pay dividends long-term.
Take time to get to know everyone
It is vital that you make time to speak to your line manager and establish lines of communication and reporting during your early weeks but it is also equally important that you get to know people right throughout the business – not just the senior managers. Your line manager will more than likely seek the thoughts of your peers as to how they see you settling into the team so ensure that their feedback presents you as positive, proactive and someone they think they can work with
Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to speak to a member of our team about your next career move.