Your Guide to Your First Week on the Job - The Muse

Your Guide to Your First Week on the Job - The MuseYour Guide to Your First Week on the Job You walk through the revolving door of the lobby toward the elevator, soaking in your surroundings- theres not a familiar face in the building. You straighten out your suit, press 12, and take a deep breath Once those doors re-open, your first week of work will officially begin.Whether its your first position or your fifth, those first few days on the job can be more than a little intimidating. But with these key rules, you can get comfortable in your new surroundings, get up to speed quickly, and get off on the right foot with your new boss and co-workersDo Be a SpongeOne of your most important duties your first week is absorbing everything. Getting to know your companys culture, the working and communication styles of your teammates, the schwierigkeit projects, bro politics, and department or company-wide goals means that youll be able to start your real work sooner (and be more effective wh en you do).So, go to the new hire orientation, sign up for professional development classes, and attend all the team and office meetings you can, even if youre not yet sure whats going on or they dont 100% pertain to your work. Also join in on the informal events. If you get asked to lunch, happy hour, or the office softball league(either as a participant or onlooker), say yes. Its a great way to meet people, and it shows that youre excited to be part of the team.Dont Overcommit YourselfDo be careful, though, to balance your schedule- you want to have plenty of time to learn the ropes from your desk. The last thing you want is to look like you have too much to juggle, seem overwhelmed, or show up late to a commitment because youre stuck somewhere else.Do Ask QuestionsAs you learn about new processes, projects, and people, dont be afraid to ask questions. You need to get up to speed, and people will expect it from the new part on the team. Also take down detailed notes about everythi ng you learn, even if it seems simple. Your brain is going to be on overload this week, and writing everything down will make sure you dont have to ask the same question twice.Dont Be Afraid to Speak UpAt the same time, dont be afraid to contribute and add value- you do want to reinforce that youre the right person for the job No, you wont know everything (nor should you act like you do), but you can make suggestions in team meetings or brainstorming sessions, or ask questions like, Has this been tried before? And if you have a skill or ability that youve been hired to bring to the team, pipe up and share that knowledge. But be careful to read your audience. You dont want to come on like gangbusters or step on someones toes.Do Offer to HelpThere may be some down time during your first few days on the job as your boss and team adjust to having you there. But dont sit around waiting for others to figure out tasks for you- volunteer to help your new teammates on a project. Youll show i nitiative, youll build rapport with your boss and co-workers, and youll learn about expectations, procedures, and how things are done.Dont Turn Down Help or AdviceIf your boss or co-workers give you advice or offer to help you with a task or project, take them up on it- yes, even if youre totally capable of handling things yourself. Its a great way to bond with your office mates, plus you may get valuable insight into the companys expectations or a more efficient way to do the work youll be given.Do Find a MentorIt never hurts to have an experienced, knowledgeable, successful professional to bounce ideas off of and be groomed by, but its especially useful when youre the newbie. Look around. Who are the stars of the organization- the ones who radiate likability, confidence, and initiative? Introduce yourself, and pick their brains.Dont Rely Only on Your New MentorUndoubtedly, the people who make you feel most comfortable will become your go-tos as you navigate your first week. But re member the time it takes for people to help you out is time being taken away from their own tasks. Be sensitive to this by trying to figure things out for yourself first, asking a variety of people when you do have questions, and showing appreciation for everyone who helps you out.Do Keep Your Boss InformedThroughout the week, ask for periodic meetings with your boss (instead of popping in her office for every question you have). In addition to getting her direction on projects and tasks, you should use this time to update her on what youre learning and who youre meeting with.Ask questions like Are there additional tasks I should be taking on or skills I should be learning? and Can you give me feedback on the project I just completed? to show initiative, but also do a lot of listening, too. Your boss feedback and insight is going to be one of your greatest resources at this point- after all, youre going to be spending the next weeks, months, and maybe even years working for her, and learning how she thinks early on will serve you well.Dont Compare Everything to Your Last JobSurely you could rattle off things you loved (or loathed) about your last job and how this position compares- but dont You want to give yourself every opportunity to shine, and that means keeping your initial first week impressions to yourself. Youre in a new place, and this is a new opportunity, so embrace it and move forward