When you start a new job, it is important to avoid making any missteps that could get you off on the wrong foot with your new employer. As you begin work, keep these 12 tips in mind:
- Make sure you know all of the details about your new job before the start date. When someone contacts you to let you know that you got the job, you should ask them for details about your new position. Ask about what time you start and stop work each day as well as the total number of hours you should work on a weekly basis. Verify how much the position pays and ask for more information about your benefits. Ironing out all of these details ahead of time will help ensure that things go smoothly when your first day of work finally rolls around.
- Ask about the dress code. Anytime you start a new job, it is important to dress appropriately. If you aren’t already familiar with the dress code of the place where you will be working, make sure to ask the hiring manager to explain what type of clothing is appropriate. Try to put together a few different outfits that are suitable for the position ahead of time so that you don’t have to rush to get ready in the morning on your first few days of work.
- Find out what the company’s policies are on using your own devices at work. Depending on your position, the company may provide a computer, smartphone, or tablet for you. Alternatively, you may have the option of using your own devices. In rare cases, you may even be required to use your own tech devices, depending on the policies of the company.
- Ask about social media use. The vast majority of companies discourage employees from posting on social media while they are at work. Some companies even ban it altogether. Make sure you understand the social media policy of your new employer. Additionally, go through your social media pages to verify that there is no offensive content about you on the web that could wind up getting you in trouble at work. Double check your privacy settings to make sure that they are set to hide any content that you don’t want your employer to see.
- Don’t be a know-it-all. Even if you already have a good understanding of the type of work that you will be doing in your new position, try to avoid acting like a know-it-all when you are first learning your job. Instead, listen carefully to the people who are training you, soaking up as much of their knowledge as you can. Not only will this help you do a better job but it will also put you in their good graces by showing them that you value their input.
- Be kind to everyone you meet. There is a lot to be said for being nice to the people around you – especially in the workplace. Even if you are hired for a position in upper management, always make sure to treat everyone you meet with respect. Not only is it the right thing to do but it also can bolster your reputation at work.
- Show up a little bit before your scheduled start time. Don’t wait until the last minute to rush into work- especially when you are just beginning a new job. Leaving yourself a little bit of leeway in your schedule can make a big difference in your stress levels. You may even want to do a trial run a few days before you start to find out how long it takes you to get to work. That way, you will know what time you need to leave your house in order to arrive on time.
- Ask for assistance if you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are just starting out. The worst thing that you can do is to try to figure it out on your own. It is much better to ask someone who already knows what they are doing to provide you with guidance or advice. That way, you are less likely to make mistakes. Even though you may feel like you are being a pest, most people would far prefer that you ask for assistance rather than doing things wrong.
- Ask how you are doing. After you have been in your new job for a little bit of time, ask your supervisor to provide you with feedback. What are you doing `right? Are there any areas where you could improve? Listening to their feedback and making changes accordingly can help you be a better employee and can show your supervisor that you really care.
- Make friends in the workplace. Building strong relationships with your coworkers can not only make for a better work environment but it can also help you perform better in your job. When you first begin a new position, you may feel like you are on the outside looking in. You should still do your best to interact with others. Before long, you will be one of the gang.
- Leave extra time for deviations in your schedule during the first few weeks of a new job. When you are learning how to do something new, it often takes longer than you would expect. You may wind up having to stay a little bit late to finish up all of your projects. Similarly, you may want to go in early to ensure that you are keeping up with your responsibilities. Just make sure to check with your employer to see if it is okay to come in early or stay late if necessary.
- Relax. It is easy to get stressed out when you are starting a new job. Take a minute to relax. Remind yourself that you don’t have to be perfect at your new job right out of the gate. Any employer will understand if you make a few mistakes when you are first starting out. Try to view your new job with excitement. After all, it is the perfect opportunity to put your knowledge to work for your new employer in a way that will positively impact their business.
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Excellent article. All of the tips are great for freshers. I really enjoyed reading your article.