Out are the days of stressful interviews and in are the days of working a new role. Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You want to make a good impression and prove your worth to your new employer. However, it’s easy to make mistakes in the early days.
While you may feel a sense of relief after securing the role, you may also feel anxious. Intrusive thoughts forcing you to reevaluate if this was the right move or if you’ve made a huge career mistake are totally normal. The buyer’s remorse extravaganza happens. You shouldn’t make the new job harder than it must be. There will always be a readjustment period, but there are mistakes you should (at least try to) avoid.
Not Asking Enough Questions
The biggest mistake you can make is not clarifying expectations. No one expects you to know everything on day one. It’s far better to ask the questions before you really get in the trenches. Asking questions lets your team know that you’re eager to learn and you’re confident enough to ask for help when needed. It’s natural to feel like you don’t want to bother your colleagues with too many questions. However, it’s important to ask questions to ensure you understand your responsibilities and the expectations of your role. Not asking questions can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes.
Especially for jobs where you’re tasked with making huge changes, they may advertise that you need to hit the “ground running,”— but that shouldn’t equate to making impulse decisions. You can only improve the system if you’re aware of the outdated strategies that are currently implemented.
Not Building Relationships
Part of the reason why you were probably hired is that the hiring manager viewed you as a culture fit. In fact, some jobs hire people exclusively because they are a good personality fit. Every company has its own unique culture, and it’s important to adapt to it. Take the time to observe how things are done in your new workplace and adjust accordingly.
Sure, that’s maybe not the best reason to hire someone… but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the workplace culture. If there are opportunities to get involved, go for it. Go to happy hours, have touch-base meetings with direct reports, and go to the work anniversary parties. Impact begins when you can participate as a team player.
Building relationships with your colleagues is important for your success in the workplace. Take the time to get to know your colleagues and show an interest in their work. This will help you build a support network and may also lead to opportunities down the line.
Not Seeking Feedback
Feedback is essential for growth and development in any job. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your colleagues and manager. This will help you identify improvement areas and show your commitment to your job. Feedback can help you identify areas where you may be unaware of your weaknesses or blind spots. This can help you take corrective action and improve your performance. It also shows that you’re open to learning and growing. This can help you build stronger relationships with your colleagues and manager and increase your credibility in the workplace.
Taking on too much, too fast
In short, don’t bite off more than you can chew. The first 90 days will set the tone for your entire time at this company. It’s tempting to attempt to impress everyone with your skillset but it may not be the most realistic for the long haul.
Not taking notes
Taking notes is essential when starting a new job. You’ll likely receive a lot of information in the first few weeks, and it’s important to keep track of it all. Write down important details about your job, such as deadlines, processes, and contact information.
In the end, there will always be a readjustment period, but avoiding these mistakes will be worth it in the long run. Starting a new job can be challenging, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you succeed. Take the time to ask questions, take notes, build relationships, manage your time effectively, adapt to the company culture, seek feedback, and take care of yourself. With these tips in mind, you’ll be off to a great start in your new job.