How to Rock Your First Week on the Job

Ending your job search, accepting a job offer and walking into a new workplace is a bit like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. Not only do you have to start delivering the goods, you also have to learn different personalities, workflow routines and the company culture.

While you could just put your head down, and dedicate yourself to doing a good job, your time at a new company will be so much easier if you think about more than just the job description.

If you truly want to rock your first week on the job and set yourself up for long-term success, all you really need to do is listen, pay attention, follow suit and always be curious about what is going on around you.

Stop, look, listen and think

Even though you might be energized about making things happen and putting your stamp on things, a good plan for the first week at a new position is to listen closely and pay attention. Realize that you have plenty of time for action and making change. The first week should be used to get the lay of the land and understand the mechanisms of success (and failure) around you. For instance, you might notice that an assertive style tends to get more results than a more passive approach.

After you have a really strong knowledge of what’s happening around you, who your strongest supporters might be and where you can have an impact, you can start making moves and applying yourself with conviction.

Learn the culture

In addition to watching the way your team performs, it’s also crucial to pay attention to how they live, have fun and communicate. Every company is different, so diligently observe your new employer’s culture and then adjust so you don’t get started as the awkward new guy or gal.

This might mean getting outside of your comfort zone. If you aren’t willing to adjust to the culture around you, you risk being seen as tone-deaf. For instance, if people have a tendency to eat at their desks, eat at your desk, even if you might be used to going out for lunch. If your new colleagues want to chit-chat about a particular TV show, you should find a way to contribute to the conversation, rather than pooh-pooh what they are talking about.

Understand expectations

At the end of your first week, take a moment to meet with your boss and find out what she or he expects from you. The quicker you understand expectations, the more rapidly you can start working to meet them.

You might think setting expectations is the job of your manager, but managers frequently forget to do this. Not only will talking through these questions give you useful information, it will also help to build a connection with your new boss.

At Career Concepts, we support professional beyond just the job hunt. If you’re looking to partner with a staffing firm that supports its contracted employees through the on-boarding process and beyond, give us a call today.