How to Start Strong in a Brand-New Role
Congratulations, you've been hired for the role! Starting a new job can be exciting, but there are still some things you'll want to keep in mind to ensure you begin on the right foot. From common onboarding mishaps to simple ways to be proactive and memorable, here are 10 mistakes you definitely don't want to make, and 10 tips to help you form a strong first impression.
1. Arriving Late
Just as you shouldn't arrive late to a job interview, you should never show up tardy to work. While most bosses can be lenient enough in certain situations (say, if you had a personal or family emergency), they definitely won't overlook someone who strolls in 30 minutes late with a coffee in hand, blaming their tardiness on "the traffic."
2. Not Asking Questions
It's okay to not yet know everything you're asked to do in a new job. While you've been hired because of your specific skillset and experience, there can still be learning curves in every new position you take on, and you may struggle if you don't ask for clarification. If you're uncertain about something, ask.
3. Not Taking Enough Initiative
We're not saying that you should volunteer to lead every project, but it's good to show your team that you're willing to take on tasks without being directly assigned to them. This displays not only initiative, but also an eagerness to learn and grow in your role.
4. Overlooking the Onboarding Process
Even if your new role isn't much different from what you've done in your previous jobs, you still want to pay attention during the onboarding process to make sure you're ready to hit the ground running. Plus, during training and orientation, you'll likely have a chance to forge connections with your new team, and someone who takes the initiative to build relationships from the get-go will leave a better first impression than someone who holds back and stays quiet.
5. Expecting Hand-Holding
Unless you're filling an entry position, there's a reason you've been picked for the job, so show off your abilities. Of course, there will often be learning curves and certain aspects in your new role that you may need to be trained in, but don't expect to be hand-held through every single step and task.
6. Dressing Unprofessionally
You wouldn't show up to an in-person job interview in your pajamas, right? Remember the same etiquette and avoid showing up to work wearing your casual clothes. Unless you've been explicitly informed that the office dress code is laid-back (meaning jeans and hoodies are okay), always pick a professional outfit.
7. Lying About Your Skills & Abilities
What did we say to do if you don't understand something in your new role? Ask. You might think you'll look silly if you do, but you'll look even sillier if you don't and you do your job wrong. Even worse is if you lie about your abilities and what you can handle. Remember: honesty is the best policy.
8. Not Connecting with Your Colleagues
Even if your role doesn't require you to collaborate with your colleagues, you'll make a better first impression if you take the initiative to connect and build relationships with the people you work with. Plus, this will make coming to work much more fun than if you stayed quiet and talked to no one.
9. Taking Too Much on Your Plate Before You're Ready
You want to show initiative, but it's important to draw a line. If you take on too much on your plate before you've gotten into the groove of things, you might only be shooting yourself in the foot. Prove to your boss that they've hired the right person by doing your job well, instead of insisting you can bite off more than you can chew.
10. Underestimating the Role
Never, ever underestimate the role. Even if you think you have enough experience and you're confident you'll do well without direction, you never know what challenges may arise or if things might be handled differently at your new job. Don't pretend to be a know-it-all, or it might come back to bite you.
Now that you know what not to do as a new hire, let's jump into how you can impress your boss from the get-go. Read on for 10 tips on how to stand out!
1. Listen More Than You Speak
You might think it's better to speak up when you're a new hire so that your voice and ideas are heard, but sometimes, it's actually better to listen more. Not only does this show respect, but you'll also learn a lot by being attentive instead of trying to talk over others.
2. Learn Names & Roles
Take the time to learn your colleagues' names and what they do. This will help build rapport and make it easier for you to forge new connections with the people around you, allowing you to stand out from the crowd. Always aim to make a memorable first impression.
3. Show Enthusiasm & Positive Attitude
No one wants to work with someone who looks like they'd rather be anywhere else but at the office, so be professional and show up with a positive, enthusiastic attitude. Show your team that you're ready to learn, grow, and contribute.
4. Ask Thoughtful Questions
You should already know by now that it's better to ask questions than not, but it's also important to ask relevant ones. Be thoughtful with your queries, and show that you're not only curious but willing to challenge yourself and make steady progress in your role.
5. Be Confident—But Stay Humble
You don't want to step into your new role clueless, but you also don't want to come off arrogant. The key is to show confidence in your abilities without acting like you're better than everyone else. Remember: no matter how experienced you are, you still have room to learn and grow.
6. Work Hard Even When No One Is Watching
Sure, you should work hard when your boss is watching, but to truly impress your entire team, make sure to put in the effort even when no one is breathing down your neck. This shows that you're able to handle tasks without supervision, and you're good at time management without others telling you what to do.
7. Be Open to Feedback
As a new hire, you'll likely be provided with more feedback until you formally get into the groove of things. It's important that you're open to criticism and willing to change and improve, instead of being rigid and defensive.
8. Be Proactive & Set Goals for Yourself
You already know that you should take initiative if you want to make a good first impression, but being proactive doesn't always mean volunteering to take on more than you can handle. It's great to show you're willing to contribute, but you can also show your eagerness by setting specific goals for yourself or creating a 30, 60, or 90-day plan.
9. Own Up to Mistakes
If you accidentally make a mistake as a new hire, it can feel like the end of the world. But don't spiral just yet; instead of feeling guilty for tripping up, simply own up to it and prove that you can do better. The latter shows that you're honest, authentic, and eager to grow.
10. Bring Something New to the Company
When you're a new hire, you don't want to be just another face at the office. So, how do you stand out? By bringing your personality to the table or introducing something new to the team! Whether it's coordinating a team picnic or a trivia game at lunch, by bringing novel ideas to the table, you show that you're eager to add to the work culture and are excited to make yourself known.
