Starting a new job is an exciting adventure no matter how many times you do it. I’ve had the pleasure of starting a new job exactly 5 times, including my very first one at the local Winn-Dixie in Tallahassee, Florida. In my short career I have also seen a ton of other people start jobs too. Based on my experience as well as that of those I’ve observed, I’ve put together 5 tips for starting a new job that may help you!

Introduce yourself to EVERYONE.

When starting a new job, chances are that you don’t know very many people in your department or maybe even the whole company. Make sure to say hello to everyone you meet – in the hallway, the bathroom, anywhere you go. In meetings, formally introduce yourself to all participants. Find out what their job responsibilities are and how they interface with you. Make the effort to learn where they sit and remember their names the next time you see them.

Personalize your space.

Notice that I didn’t say decorate your space (even though I love to!), just personalize it. I suggest sharing photos of family, awards, or interesting things that say more about who you are. The reason for this is that these things are all conversation starters and kind of a foundation to building your brand. They help people who just happen to be walking by when you aren’t there learn more about your life and your values. In the first two weeks of starting a new job I have had people ask me questions about my family, community service, previous job, alma mater, and sorority solely based off of what they saw at my desk.

Be humble.

You skills and work experience got you the job. Your confidence won over your new manager and you know you’ll excel at your role after you get settled. Great. But remember, you’re the new kid on the block. You may be a great addition to the team, but respect those around you who are more tenured in the department and/or the role than you are. Ask a lot of questions. Shadow people. Let them teach you in the way that they prefer to for the first few weeks.

Don’t be afraid to speak up.

Being humble is important. Effective learning is also important. If a few weeks go by and you have a good idea of the items you still need more clarity on, don’t be afraid to shift the focus of your training. Mention to your trainer or your boss that you may learn better by completing a task on your own and then asking for help instead of watching someone else do it. Maybe you need to watch someone else so that you can take notes. You may need more training materials to study at home. No matter what, you know how you learn best. If you’re not absorbing what is being taught, speak up.

Find a Mentor

This may seem like an obvious tip for starting a new job, but I offer it from a different perspective. You need to find not only a mentor, but your ace of spades. You’ll know who this person is. They may offer you help, linger at your desk a little longer than most people, or offer to train you on more than one occasion. You will need someone who won’t get annoyed with your thousands of questions, isn’t out to sabotage you with your manager, and will give you the behind the scenes look at your department. It will take work and extreme discernment on your part to find this mentor. They may be outside of your department, but have worked there before or are familiar with your responsibilities.

When you do find them, treat them right and make sure to take them out for lunch a few times to thank them for all the fires that they help you put out.

Don’t forget to relax…

No matter what, let that breath you’ve been holding in go. You are starting your new job for such a time as this. These are just a few tips of many that will help you adjust to your new role. Make sure to check out my Services tab to learn more about my career preparedness services such as resume editing and interview prep!