Starting your new job…

AUTHOR: David M. Young

 

IT’s time to start your new job.  What do you need to do beyond show up and wait and see what the company has in store for you.  Of course it is not that simple, but, before you shift gears from the job search/interview process, take a little bit of time and put your search process to rest appropriately.

 

What does this mean?  It means revisiting or creating a list of everyone who assisted you during your job search.  This list includes professional and personal relationships.  This list is critical, because it will form the core of your ongoing networking list that you can refer to in the hopefully unneeded event you are exploring the job market. It is also the list that should have a few names on it that you can find an opportunity to return the favor and assist them in some way,shape, or form.  Once you have this list, you should take time to be intentional and write handwritten thank you notes that you will send via regular mail.  This personal touch will show your intentionality and should include some sort of personal comment as well as letting them know the results of your search.  For those who may have spent extra time or went out of their way, meet with them in person for a thank you lunch or coffee.  This personal touch will go a long way towards deepening these relationships.

 

But, that is not all.  Now you need to turn you attention to your new position.  Remember, first impressions are very important.  Before your first day, write down your objectives for teh first 90 days.  In this list, include who you want to meet, what you want to learn, and what you will need to accomplish for it to be successful.  As you do this, remember some basic points.

• Be ready to learn (you were hired for a skill or expertise, but you don’t know everything).
• Be flexible ( organizations are constantly changing.  Your role may be slightly different than when you interviewed. )
• Look for early wins (big or small.)  Being willing to have a win, no minor how big or small, will make a good impression.
• Be willing to do one more thing than what was asked.  Dont just do the job.  This could be as small as picking up trash in the break room, or as big as staying late for a deadline that is not your but you can assist on.  These little things will make a huge impression.

If you set a positive tone early, you will go a long way with your new employer.