Tips
Before You Start A New Job
Whether you are starting an internship, looking for a summer position or embarking on your dream job it will often come with new adventures, new relationships, opportunities and challenges. The new position may also bring on waves of confusion, nerves and mistakes. With this in mind I set out to do a bit of research for us and have come up with the best combined tips I could find for beginning a new job.
1. Be friendly, Build relationships
Say good morning & good evening to the people you encounter when you come into the office and when you leave, introduce yourself, and remember the names of the people you meet (take notes if necessary). Eat lunch with your co-workers it will help you to get to know those you may not be working with directly. Making the effort to get to know your co-workers even when you're nervous allows you to establish yourself as the friendly and outgoing person you are (or are trying to be).
2. Know When to Ask Questions... and When to Google it
There is nothing wrong with asking questions when you are new. The key is to try to distinguish between those that have to do with company policy or procedures and things you can look up yourself. Keeping a notepad by your desk is a great idea. Write down your questions, see if you come to the solutions on your own or if you can look them up online and if that is unsuccessful, approach your manager with an organized list - then take down their answers so you're not asking the same thing twice.
3. Stay Organized (Click here for 10 ways to get organized)
Go above and beyond to start organized and stay organized. Clearly label your email inbox, desktop folders and paperwork. Take notes, keep them and organize them according to topic. This seems obvious, but in the excitement of starting a new job it is easy to forget instructions, comments made by co-workers or clients or even how to log into your staff email account.
4. Master the Art of Casual Professionalism
This means striking the balance between mastering the fundamentals: show up on time for absolutely everything, be respectful to everyone, practice patience and be accountable for your work. You are an authentic and unique person and how you present yourself is all a part of your brand, let people know a bit about you and your passions but keep it casual and professional.
5. Expect That You Will Make Mistakes - Never Try to Hide Them
The best advice I have been given was to expect to make mistakes. They will happen and some will be a big deal - others won't be. Do not overdramatize the little things, and do not underplay the big ones. The key is to acknowledge mistakes when they happen, own them and let your manager know ASAP. No one is perfect, and expecting perfection from yourself will only lead to disappointment.
I hope you found some of this helpful & I wish you all the very best of luck on your new adventures.
Talk Soon,
Alexis
