Three Strategies for Nailing It In a New Job

Friday, November 14, 2014

Lea McLeod, GoLocalPDX Careers Expert

Photo credit: iStock

It doesn’t seem to matter about the economy. People are changing jobs.

Thirty percent of companies lost over 15% of their millennials in the last year. And the voluntary “quit rate” is the highest it’s been in years, increasing 45% since 2007.

The challenge with leaving a job is the starting of a new one. The first six months in a new job can be the most trying time. And often, clients call because they think they’ve made a big mistake.

But the mistake is really because often people try to treat a new job, like an old job. They don’t give themselves credit for not knowing everything, and they often don’t lay out a plan of attack about how to be successful.

As a result, frustration often ensues. Typically the onboarding process of a new employee is not a road map to success. It’s usually focused on the logistics and details of how to log on to the system, and where the lunchroom microwave is.

Starting a new job means making some plans that aren’t in the standard company introductions. Here are three strategies to get up to speed and working successfully in a new job.

1. Build a strong foundation with your manager.

So much of the new job excitement is about figuring out what tasks you need to complete, the people you’ll be working with and where your workspace is. One equally important mission is to get the relationship with your manager off to a good, strong start. Missing this step can create heartburn and stress later on, once the rosy glow of the onboarding honeymoon has faded.

Action steps:

Find out your manager’s goals, and what you need to do to make him or her successful.
Set up a regular one on one time so you can get to know each other, and learn to work together.
Get clear on your top 3 priorities and timelines so you know what’s expected of you.

2. Identify the key relationships to build in the workplace.

In the workplace, relationships are how work gets done. Nearly everything aspect of work in a new job will be collaborative. Therefore, it makes sense to figure out whom you’ll be collaborating with.

Action steps:

Identify the key 5 to 7 “must know” people you’ll be working with.
Set up one on one’s with key colleagues to get to know them, learn how they work, and how you can best contribute.
Make a point to meet and thank support staff, admins, IT help guys or anyone who helps you get started.

3. Learn to navigate the culture.

Culture is all the rules of the workplace that are not written down. For example, are you expected to read and respond to email on weekends? Are you expected to join the team for a Friday night beer fest? See? Important to know, but not on the checklist! Hopefully you asked culture questions in your interview. But if not, now’s the time!

Action steps:

Ask your manager to describe the culture, and ask what the three most important things are that you need to know.
Do the same with your colleagues. Ask them to tell you what they do and do not like about working there. Their answers will shed light on the culture.
If there’s a support person, admin or other make them one of your best friends. Support staff knows all about the expectations of the organization and perspective that others might not share.

The thing about a new job is you’re learning in public. That can be a super uncomfortable place for many people. Instead of doubting yourself and your decision to take the job, develop and work on the strategies that will help you succeed.

Lea McLeod wrote The Resume Coloring Book + E-course to help you create a step-by-step, color-coded resume designed to pass the “7 second recruiter scan.” Her career insights have been featured in Forbes, Mashable, LifeHacker, TheMuse.com and Business Insider. Connect with her on LinkedIn. LeaMcLeod Follow her on Twitter.

Banner Photo Credit: iStock