Things To Do in the First Month of Your New Job

The idea of starting a new job can be exciting and daunting at the same time, especially if it is your first full-time job.  Landing a job offer is just the beginning.  Your performance and attitude in the first month will set the tone for your career.  If you are on a probationary period, the first few weeks will be extremely crucial to you.  Hang in there until you learn the ropes.  Psychologists have said that the human ability to clearly remember beginnings and endings makes bosses and co-workers note and remember a new employee’s actions and behavior.  Here is a list of things to do in the first month of your new job.

#1. Remember what you were hired for

People generally tend to exaggerate during interviews.  But as long as you carry out what you promised, there would not be any expectation mismatch.  Strive to be the person that the organization recruited.

#2. Ask questions

Find out more about the company and its background and policies.  Instead of accumulating questions and making assumptions, find someone you can address all your questions to.  They are bound to tell you about the unwritten rules at your workplace, how things are run, about organizational hierarchies, and impart other nuggets of wisdom that no FAQ addresses.

#3.  Introduce yourself

Socializing is vital in the beginning.  Your manager would probably introduce you to a few people in your office.  Meeting the rest of the people would be entirely up to you.  Make an effort to know your team and remember your co-workers’ names.  If you get invited to join somebody for lunch, accept the offer.  Try not to be disheartened if you do not instantly strike a chord with your co-workers.  Just like people everywhere else, the ones at work will also take time to warm up.

#4. Be observant

Spend the first couple of days observing everything at your new workplace.  Listen attentively and gather as much information as you can from people who have been there long enough.

#5. Be proactive

Create new opportunities for yourself or your team rather than waiting for them to happen.  When faced with a problem, instead of expecting step-by-step instructions from your manager, be that person who comes up with solutions.

#6.  Talk to your manager

Talk to your manager about your role with the company and other responsibilities to know exactly what will be expected of you.  Find out if they expect quick results or are more keen on how you handle the process of it.  Discuss your style of work and ask for feedback so that you can improve your performance.

#7. Set and execute goals

Learn the nuances of your job as fast as you can.  Set goals for yourself and see that you execute them.  Make it a point to prove your worth to your boss by providing value back to the company.  This will remind them about why they hired you.

#8. Update your online profile

Connecting with people is important depending on your line of work.  So, update your LinkedIn and Facebook profiles.

#9.  Avoid rookie mistakes

A newbie is bound to make mistakes.  In the beginning, your manager or colleagues might be understanding of minor errors and flaws and choose to overlook them.  Your job is to rectify them quickly and to learn from them without losing heart.

#10. Impress your boss

If you do your job efficiently, it will take a big load off your boss’ shoulders.  Fewer the things your boss has to worry about, more impressed will he be with your performance.  Make it your priority to impress your boss.  Once that is accomplished, you can relax a bit.  This is why the first month is crucial to new recruits.

#11. Focus on professional development

Once you settle into your new job, expand your horizon by taking up more responsibilities if you want to grow in your career.  If it means picking up some new skills, do it.  You will never regret learning a few extra skills.

#12. Be organized and punctual

Being late is never appreciated or overlooked at any organization.  Employees who do not do much work in the first couple of weeks after joining work tend to get labelled as lazy.  Also, nobody is going to take a liking to the newbie with the messy desk.

#13.  When talking about your previous job

Refrain from badmouthing your previous boss or co-workers.  Also, avoid comparing your current work environment to your previous one.

#14. Treat everybody with respect

Nobody likes an arrogant new recruit.  Be polite and treat everybody with respect whether they are your subordinates or peers.

#15. Know your limits

Although employees are encouraged to be enthusiastic, overdoing it can burn you out.  It can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  Remember to eat healthy, get sufficient sleep, exercise, and not to push your limits.  Read 10 Health Tips For Young Professionals for more.

Expand your knowledge base by making it a priority to learn something new every day.  People have their good days and bad days at work; just make sure your bad days don’t outnumber the good days.