Starting a new position can almost be as daunting as the interview process. Now that you’ve been hired, there’s a degree of pressure to prove that the company made the right choice. Plus, the first impressions you make with colleagues can be a big influence on how cohesively you work as a team.
Here are 3 tips to help you to settle in quickly:
- Be genuine
The simplest way to make good connections is to simply be yourself and go about the job you were hired to do. Introduce yourself to colleagues and mention the role you fill. Be willing to answer a few questions about yourself, if asked. If not, then focus on having work or task related conversations. Going out of your way to try impress others with accolades or qualifications usually doesn’t go over very well, as it’s painfully obvious when someone is trying too hard. But showing a genuine interest in others and being willing to share knowledge helps to build good working relationships.
- Be on time
Whether is going into the office or having an online meeting, make a point to always be on time. This shows respect for colleagues and the company and is a good discipline to keep. Everyone’s time is valuable and meetings can often be very disruptive when trying to get daily tasks completed. Additional good habits to form are to keep meetings short, only request a meeting when absolutely necessary and end on time.
- Be confident
Remember that you’ve been hired for your specific skills and expertise and because the company believed you could add value. Even if you feel a little out of your depth as you familiarize yourself with the workings of the company, keep confident and focus on learning and adding even more value. With this approach you’ll soon find your feet and be able to apply your expertise to the tasks at hand.
Hiring is a big investment for companies and most are getting much better at their onboarding processes because they understand the value of retaining employees. You can also play your part by providing feedback when asked. If they’re enquiring they’re usually pretty serious about onboarding in a way that helps new employees settle in. Be honest about what you found challenging so that the company can continue to improve their processes. This also shows that you’re invested in the future of the company.