Tips for settling into a new job role
The search for a new job can be all encompassing, but what do you do once that’s over? You have landed your dream position – well done!! You can breathe a sigh of relief but now you have the next hurdle – a successful beginning and settling into a new job role.
Now it is time to navigate the first couple of months in your new position, which is a daunting, confusing time for almost anyone – ranging from simply ‘How will I remember everyone’s names?’ to full-blown imposter syndrome. It is important to remember though, that it is also a very exciting time.
Here are some tips to help you make this transition smoothly and to settle into your new job role:
Do not leave your old employer in the lurch.
Even if you were disgruntled or felt undervalued at your previous workplace, still hand in your notice and work your notice period as contractually agreed. Keep doing your job well even if you are leaving. It shows respect and on a selfish note, they will be writing your reference for your new employer.
Understand the role.
This may seem like an obvious one, but there is far more to any position than the written job description. Ensure you understand what your day-to-day responsibilities are, including any objectives and targets.
Request meetings (within reason) with your superior if you need to, so you can consistently review your progress and performance. Whilst in meetings, take notes and reflect on what has been spoken about and how it may alter the way you work. What are the specific goals of your working day? If you understand these it will help you to prioritise your workload effectively.
Understand your new workplace.
Hopefully, you will have asked lots of questions throughout the recruitment process that have allowed you to know what to expect from your new environment and have given you the impression that it is one you can fit in to. Show interest in your colleagues, what they do, and the industry as a whole; understanding the big picture and the structure of the company will give you valuable insights into your own role.
Keep connections updated.
Update your employment status on LinkedIn and connect with new colleagues to follow what they are doing, and your new company’s page. Interact and comment and stay active on these channels as it will keep you updated on your new workplace, demonstrates interest and in the long run will help to widen your own network.
Be patient.
You are not going to learn everything in the first week. It can take a couple of months to settle into a new role, even when it is similar to your last, as every business works slightly differently, and you have a whole new set of relationships to navigate. This is not an excuse to take it easy though, now is the time to prove yourself.
Get organised.
Managing your new responsibilities is made so much easier by some simple forward planning. Make an effort to use your calendars, to-do lists, or however you like to organise yourself from day one – a new role is a fresh start and the chance to throw out any bad habits, and establish new good ones.
Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions.
I can not say this enough. If you do not know something – ask somebody who does! No matter your level of experience, do not just presume you know what you are doing. Most people are happy to guide others. Just make sure you take the time to thank anybody who has helped you.
Stay positive.
This is a challenging transition to make, especially if you were comfortable and had been at your previous employer for a long period of time. It can be frustrating to feel like you are not clicking with your new colleagues, or that you are working at a far slower pace than you are used to. However, I am sure you will have felt like this at your previous role.
Taking on a new challenge may be daunting, but it is also very exciting to be taking the next step in your career. Remain optimistic and you will be settled in in no time!
I hope these tips help you to settle in at an exciting time! There are many parts of preparing for a job change that can be achieved during the recruitment process. As a resourcing consultant, it is my job to ensure you know exactly what it is you are looking from for a new role at application stage. So, you can be certain that you have found a position in an environment you can really flourish in.
Written by Amy Crosbie – Resourcing Consultant for North East and Yorkshire.
About the Eventus Recruitment Group
Here at the Eventus Recruitment Group, we believe that happiness at work is essential for everyone. We offer realistic, honest and straight forward advice to enhance your career. Our specalists can help you to find your next opportunity at no cost to you as a candidate. We recruit for all roles within the Legal, HR, Finance and Accountancy sectors. To view our latest jobs, please click here.
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