The first week – fitting in to your new job

Entering a new position of employment will always be riddled with stress. However, there are a few ways to help dodge the pain and enjoy all the gain of your new job.

Take the time
It’s important to be seen as a professional and motivated worker in order to earn the respect of your colleagues, not just because you are the new kid on the block. However, this does not mean you have to know everything about everything right away. Ask questions, you’re new and it’s better to do something right the first time around that it is to have to do it over. You need to understand what exactly your job entails and what your immediate priorities are, and how you should go about achieving them. You should even consider requesting feedback after a month or so to make sure you’re on the right track.

First impressions
You’re walking into a new space with a new team, so it’s important to remember that you are still the underdog. A friendly personality and attitude, and taking the time to get to know your co-workers and what their interests are will help you to get to know everyone on the team. While you want to get to know everyone, pay particular attention to people you will be working with closely, or people you will be relying on heavily. You goal should be to build a relationship and learn how you can most effectively work together.

Positive attitudes
Although you may not always notice it, your thoughts and emotions can almost always be seen through your facial expressions. Complaining about your boss or co-workers, or bringing any negative events from outside of work into the office will not only effect your productivity but will discourage the foundations of positive relationships with your colleagues. Think of your job as a fresh start and keep an open mind.

Watch, look and listen
Spend a few weeks familiarizing yourself with the work ethic. Taking note of things as simple as if your manager or colleague prefers to respond to calls or emails, and how long do colleagues usually take for lunch or if they quickly eat at their desks. By adopting these unwritten rules as your own, it will be easier for you to comfortably become a member of the team.

Don’t overdo it!
While it is important to demonstrate that you’re a hard worker with strong priorities, don’t try to over-impress by staying back and working late, or taking on too many responsibilities above and beyond your job description too soon. Accept that it will take time for people to get to know and trust you. Try to gain co-operation and respect through being friendly and approachable.

Go the extra mile
It is also important to develop work relationships outside of the workplace, so do not hesitate to accept any invitations to go out for coffee or lunch, as most friendships begin in relaxed surroundings.

Different people settle into new jobs at different rates and don’t get upset or frustrated if it takes you a little longer to settle in and grasp new concepts and ways of doing things. It is through following these steps that you can enjoy the benefits of a productive, comfortable and positive work environment.