6 Steps To Securing A Successful New Job Experience

Beginning a new job can be an incredibly exciting experience. However, your first day in a new environment, surrounded by new people and with a new responsibility to take on important tasks can also be pretty nerve-wracking. This is especially true for those who have been away from any job positions due to long layoffs. For those who have suffered injuries or illnesses that have kept them out of the work force for some time, starting new jobs can be downright scary!

At Independence Incorporated, our Return To Work Program ensures that all return to work issues are dealt with in a comprehensive and proactive manner. It has been very successful in helping clients feel comfortable when they begin their new job positions. However, there are also a number of simple steps that one can take to get better assimilated to a new career. Reducing anxiety is a big part of being successful when starting a new job.

Here are six steps to securing a successful new job experience:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re new on the job. Your employers and co-workers are likely well aware. Not only will asking questions better acquaint you with your new position, but it will help you to develop new relationships at work. This should make for a more comfortable working experience. According to Cheryl Cirelli on LoveToKnow.com, you should “ask what your responsibilities will be as well as any specific requirements that the company may have.”

2. Show enthusiasm for your new position. Remember that since you’ve successfully landed your new job position, it’s important to put in the work so that you keep it. Display the kind of energy that employers love to see. It will help you move up in the company eventually. Just don’t be too eager! On Levo.com, Betsy Smith warns that “asking about other opportunities (too early) may cause people to question your loyalty and enthusiasm.”

3. Get acquainted with your new company. It’s important to do your research. Before beginning your new position, you should endeavour to learn as much as you can about the company you’re working for. Being familiar with the brand will help you to be a top representative of it. Cirelli insists that you thoroughly review the materials you are given when you start the new position. “You may also want to check out the company’s website and get acquainted with it,” she advises.

4. Dress the part. Quickly become familiar with the dress code at your new place of work. But seek to dress professionally so that you carry with you a sense of dignity and respect for your role. It’s bound to leave an impression on those who see you at work each day. “Learn how to be a casual professional,” recommends Smith, “Some office environments are extremely buttoned up, while others are far more relaxed. I’ve worked in both, and what I’ve seen is that one type of person always prevails—the casual professional.”

5. Arrive early. The last thing you want is to show up to a new job late. Tardiness is frowned upon no matter what type of industry you work in. Do yourself a favour and plan to leave home early, especially during your first week, so that you know how long it takes to get to work, on average. “Know before you start your job how long your commute will be and if you need to find parking or take mass transit to your job,” reminds Cirelli.

6. Make friends. This one can be tricky. How do you know which employees will make the best co-worker friends? Smith recommends that you make notes about the people you meet on the job, and never be afraid to introduce yourself. For those that you feel the most comfortable with, make efforts to greet them again. “Send each of them a personalized email saying that you enjoyed meeting them and you hope your paths cross again,” she suggests.

For more information about our Return To Work Program, please don’t hesitate to call Independence Incorporated at 204-478-6644 or email info@indep.ca.