Whether you were out of work, took a sabbatical, or starting a fresh career, transition to a new job requires careful preparation and planning to achieve positive results.
Here are five tips to help make a successful transition to a new job.
1. Get your body back into work routine: While at home for many months, joblessness allows for flexible scheduling. You’re able to do what you want, when you want.
That lifestyle no longer works when it’s time to report to the office each morning. Career transition experts say it’s crucial for people to adjust their schedules accordingly during the first few weeks of a new job.
People are delighted to be back to a structure, but it’s killing them because they aren’t used to being at work early and staying late. So you need to work hard to get back into the rhythm of work again.
2. Learn the Company Culture: The sooner you figure out what’s acceptable and expected at your new company, the quicker you can begin to make a contribution.
The main things to focus on in your first days on the job are the company’s dress code, the expected time of arrival each morning and the company’s top priorities.
Really take stock of the culture of the office, such as do people show up on time, do they stay late. Take your cues from people in the office who do the job you do or work in your department.
For example, at some companies if you stay late one night on a project, it’s acceptable to report to work late the next morning. However, other firms expect you to be there at a designated time no matter how many hours you log.
3. Pay attention to Company Managers: By talking and listening to your colleagues and closely observing who the decision makers are, you can determine the various leaders in your new workplace. You want to align your efforts with theirs, and show that you are trying to fit into their organization.
Get a sense of what people with power want out of you. You want to meet or exceed their expectations.
There will be clues to help you identify the authority figures. Watch who comes into a meeting last and who sits at the head of the table.
After determining the decision makers who wield power, you should strive to build alliances with them.
4. Make the first 90 days: At many companies, a new employee is on a formal or informal probation during the first three months. How well you perform during that period sends a message to managers and supervisors about your ability to do the job.
Be aware that you are being watched very carefully during the first 90 days.
Before day one on the job, it’s important to research technology and trends in your industry. Staying abreast of these industry trends allows you to overcompensate for being out of touch for so long.
At home, remind family members that you are new on the job. Set contingency plans for responsibilities such as caring for a sick child, so you don’t have to miss a day of work during the first 90 days.
5. Build solid relationship with colleagues: Introduce yourself and forge strategic relationships with your co-workers. This enables you to transition effectively. In the long run it helps you build a network of contacts to stay aware of future job opportunities and industry changes.
Don’t play the shy role and keep your head down.
Interacting with colleagues outside of the office will help you learn more about the company, and that improves your chance of success in your new position.
You’ll make a great first impression with your co-workers if you quickly learn their first and last names and remember their names when talking with them. Above all, convey a positive, can-do attitude in your interactions with colleagues.
While preparing and planning for a transition into the new job, remember that your attitude has a lot to do with success. It’s critical to immerse yourself in the company and being accepted.
From: BankRate.com