New Job? 5 Things To Do In The First Week

You’ve sent in the most compelling cover letter. You’ve crafted the perfect resume. Your interview with the hiring manager couldn’t have gone better, and you’ve finally made it through salary negotiations. Don’t kick back and relax just yet. The first week is the time to prove yourself capable and be recognized as a self-starter. We’ve put together 5 things to help you get off to a flying start in your new job.

1. Familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your new workplace. This may mean starting from scratch to learn the little things, such as how to work the break room coffee-maker or how to use the printer. It can also mean learning the layout of the office, who does what job, and how casual you can actually dress on a casual Friday. Perhaps more importantly, however, is becoming familiar with the company’s current goals, priorities, and challenges. Once you can identify key areas for growth and improvement, you can serve as a more valuable asset to the business. Likewise, if you are aware of what optimizes productivity and efficacy in the workplace, you will be able to more effectively contribute to the overall success of the company.
2. Ask questions. No one is expecting you to know everything. Now is the time to ask questions, because if you don’t ask now, six months down the line could be too late. If you don’t understand a certain policy or procedure, ask. If you don’t understand why things are done a certain way, ask. Do your best to understand the nuances of your new work environment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way if something isn’t clear.
3. Find a mentor. This can be anyone, from a co-worker you’ve made friends with to a supervisor who has been teaching you the ropes, to even your manager. The point is to find someone who knows the business better than you do and learn from them. Not only will this help you adjust to your new workplace, it will allow you to envision yourself in the future, as someone who can serve as a mentor to a new employee, once you’ve become a veteran at the job.
4. Show enthusiasm. Think of your first week as an extension of the hiring process. You may think you’re in the clear, but it may be the case that you really only have one foot through the door. Take this week to reassure your employer that they hired the right person for the job. You don’t have to explicitly say it, but small actions such as being punctual or even early to staff meetings and to your shift can be an indication of your enthusiasm, and, by extension, your willingness to excel at the job.
5. Show initiative. Introduce yourself to your co-workers and build a rapport with them. Not only can this be a useful networking tool to practice, it will also help you adjust and feel more comfortable in your new workplace. You should also strive to show some level of flexibility in your schedule and an overall willingness to adapt to the company’s needs. With that in mind, however, you should also be careful not to overcommit yourself. In other words, now is not the time to slack off (it really never is), but you also should not bite off more than you can chew.

Your first week at a new job can feel overwhelming. Keep a positive attitude and don’t let the pressure of adjusting to a new environment discourage you.

Barbachano International can show you how to rise to the challenge and perform your best not only during your first week, but also in the weeks, months, and even years to come. Read more articles like this one on our blog, where you can learn how to develop some of the best skills for success and really thrive in the world of business.

By Barbachano Staff

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About Barbachano International

Barbachano International (BIP) is the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm in the Americas (USA, Mexico, Latin America, & Canada) with a focus on diversity and multicultural target markets.  Outplacement and Executive Coaching services are provided by our sister allied company Challenger Gray & Christmas. Since 1992, BIP and its affiliates have impacted the profitability of over 50% of Fortune 500 Companies.  BIP has been recognized by Forbes as Americas’ Best Executive Search Firms and currently ranks #27 and #3 on the West Coast.  Headquartered in San Diego, California with satellite offices in Florida and Mexico.  As member-owners of NPAworldwide Recruitment Network, we are supported by partner offices in over 50 countries.