11 Tips for Starting a New Job SuccessfullyOur practical tips show you how to make a great impression from day one of your new job.
11 Tips for Starting a New Job Successfully
Congratulations, you’ve landed a great job and are settling into your new role! Now comes the tricky part of not only excelling but figuring out what you should focus on first. Whether you're fresh out of school or you've been around the block a few times, this is your cheat sheet of tips for starting a new job and winning in the workplace.
The first 90 days at your new job are an audition for the long haul. It's not just about showing up on time and doing the work; it's also about learning the ropes, understanding the office vibe, and getting to know the people around you. You're setting the stage for your career here, so make sure you get it right.
Your managers and coworkers are also paying attention—they're trying to figure out if they made the right choice in hiring you, and need to show them that they absolutely did. We're talking about proving you've got the skills, sure, but also that you're a cultural fit and a team player.
But it's not just about impressing the higher-ups; your peers matter, too. Building good relationships with your colleagues makes the day-to-day grind more enjoyable. And, it gives you a network of allies who'll have your back down the line.
In this article, we share some easy, practical tips for starting a new job to help optimize your chances for long-term success and satisfaction. Adopting a proactive, strategic approach to this career milestone allows you to transition from the role of "newbie" to becoming an indispensable asset to your new employer.
Starting a new job is exciting for lots of reasons. You meet new people, learn new skills, and become part of a team. But there are several things you want to get under your belt before you can really show your new colleagues and bosses what you’re made of. Follow our tips below:
One of the most important tips for starting a new job is to sit with your boss, set clear expectations, and understand your responsibilities. Within the first few weeks, get a meeting booked on the calendar for a meaningful conversation about the realities of your job description.
Get specific in terms of these expectations. If you’re in sales and part of your job relies on meeting quotas, find out what the specific quotas are. Whether it’s bringing in a specific amount of money or a specific number of new clients, it’s important to know how your performance will be measured.
Then, at the 90-day point, meet up again with your boss to see how you’re performing in light of the established expectations. This will give you time to tweak certain things, seek out additional resources, or tap into internal resources you may not have known existed. By year-end, you’ll have made the necessary adjustments to meet your goals.
Punctuality does more than make an excellent first impression—it sets the tone for your entire career. Being a few minutes early allows you time to settle in and shows that you respect other people's time.
Meanwhile, being prepared means coming to work already having some background knowledge about the company and its operations. This readiness to engage will position you as proactive and invested.
The beginning is often a steep learning curve. Listen actively during team meetings, one-on-ones with your manager, or even casual conversations by the coffee machine. This is not just about understanding your role; it's about absorbing the company culture, team dynamics, and business objectives. If needed, take notes, and revisit them to solidify your understanding.
One of the most valuable tips for starting a new job is getting to know your boss's leadership and communication style, which can offer invaluable insights for your long-term success. For example, does your boss prefer weekly email updates or quick daily stand-ups? Do they like to be consulted on every decision, or do they give you more leeway? Understanding these nuances can help you align your actions and reporting style more closely with your boss's expectations.
Adaptability can manifest in various ways, from your ability to quickly learn new software to your willingness to adapt to a change in project scope. It also means being flexible in your work hours or taking on different tasks to meet deadlines. By being adaptable, you show that you're not just looking to survive changes but thrive amid them.
Another thing to accomplish is solidifying relationships and trust with your colleagues. Make yourself available to have coffee with them, grab lunch, and get to know them not only as colleagues but also as people. This will set the supportive, friendly tone needed to work together and make your team successful and productive.
A culture of gratitude creates a positive work environment. You can show gratitude in multiple ways, from a simple verbal “thank you” to sending a short note or even publicly recognizing someone's efforts during a team meeting. This fosters a more collaborative and supportive workspace, making tackling challenges easier for you and your colleagues.
Always ask for feedback and take it graciously. Constructive criticism can be challenging to hear, but it offers valuable lessons for improvement. When you receive feedback, take a moment to understand its implications fully. Develop a plan of action to address the points raised and discuss this with the person who offered the feedback.
If you don’t know how to do something, ask for help; when people start coming to you, be that helpful person as well. You’ll be flexing your soft skills to become known as that go-to guy or gal, that person everyone likes to be around and wants to emulate. Especially within your first three, six, or even 12 months, this attitude and willingness to pitch in will get noticed, and your stellar reputation will follow you wherever you go career-wise.
It's also a great idea to find a mentor. This doesn't necessarily have to be someone within the organization; often, your most beneficial advisor will be someone external who can help you see things from a new perspective. You can find a mentor through networking, professional organizations, and asking your boss for recommendations.
Once you've found your mentor, meet with them regularly. Discuss your new role and brainstorm ways to not only be successful but also how you can continue to build your professional brand.
Lastly, strive to make your mark! This is one of the best tips for starting a new job, as it sets the tone for your career. Work diligently and demonstrate a remarkable work ethic from day one that others are easily impressed by.
Approach new projects with enthusiasm and demonstrate a "can-do" attitude. Then, when working on projects, be thorough, articulate, and excited to stamp your name on something that will be viewed as a job well done.
Looking for an opportunity to put these tips for starting a new job to work? Get started by signing up for your free Jobpress account. You can apply quickly and easily for new roles. Plus, as a member, you get career advice and practical tips sent directly to your inbox to help you grow your skill set, get the attention of upper management, angle yourself for a promotion, and so much more.
Mar 24, 2024 
25 mins to read 
