Even if your new job offers you the same position as your old job (but with better benefits, because why else would you have let the former), you are soon the find out that there would be some uniqueness to it.
The first 30 days on the job should be your time of adaptation, learning and settling in to the new culture you have found yourself in. Don’t forget that you always have to make a good impression and show that you are not a fluke too.
All that can be emotionally draining. So, how can you get through those first 30 days on the job and set a template for yourself going forward?
1. Ask Questions… Lots of Them
The fact that you were the standout performer in that role for your previous company does not make you the industry expert. You could have a ton of experience and still know nothing about the specifics of your position within the new company.
Likewise, asking questions does not just add to your experience and knowledge base. It also does well to project a good image about you to your managers who would see you as being intellectually sound and willing to perform.
2. Prepare to Introduce Yourself
In the first 30 days on the job, you will probably be introduced to more people than you will be able to keep track of. Instead of trying to come up with a formula for remembering everyone’s names, come up with a plan to introduce yourself.
First impressions matter a lot, so you would want that to count in your favor.
In the case you are having a little trouble coming up with an elevator pitch, you could use one of our resources on the subject here.
3. Meet with Co-workers
Find a suitable time to meet with your co-workers within the institution. Even if you had been introduced earlier by a manager or supervisor, meet with them one-on-one.
You can ask open-ended questions about the inner workings of the company, their roles and such things. You will want to learn as much about them as you possibly can.
You are all working together towards the common goal. Knowing where everyone fits into the cog that moves the bigger wheel is a step to helping you make sense of the whole thing
4. Define your Roles
Your job description is just a brief overview of all that is expected of you. What you will want to do is speak with your manager/ supervisor so that they can explain in details to you what they need you to do at your new job.
You should ask them to tell you what yardsticks your performance would be evaluated with. Know what the last person at the job was doing, what more they could be doing too and make a template that works from that information.
5. Remain Calm
In all the eagerness and excitement of settling in at your new job, you could work yourself up too bad. Remember that no one there is out for your head. Keep in mind that no one wants you to fail at your work too, and no one expects you to be superman either.
All they want you to do is be human, and be great at your job. Since you got the position in the first place, that means they see something in you. Stay calm and let that ‘something’ speak for itself.