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In a recent article, I shared strategies to help you prepare for a new job in the days and weeks leading up to your start date, but what about once you’re actually on the job? Let’s break down strategies and attitudes that you can employ on-the-job in order to thrive.
1. Be curious and flexible
“As the first day approaches, a comprehensive checklist becomes instrumental in navigating the initial week successfully,” said Jennifer Lee Magas, MA, JD, assistant professor of practice at Texas Tech University and vice president of Magas Media Consultants, LLC. “Actively listening and learning about the culture, expectations, and workflow of the new environment are essential components of this checklist.”
Your ability to adapt to the particular work environment of the institution and department are just as essential to your success as the skills you bring to the table. Every team has its unique work culture that was established long before you came on board, so in your early days, you’ll want to observe others and get a sense for how the team operates. Try to keep an open mind. The office may operate differently than your previous one and may require some adjustments, but some of these may be welcome changes. That’s not to say that you have to ‘fall in line,’ but it will give you a sense for what is expected and what your colleagues and supervisors are accustomed to.
“Go into your role with a ‘student-like’ attitude,” advises Connor Martin, who recently navigated starting a new job at the University of Cincinnati Online as an SEO specialist. “Being humble and curious to learn and asking questions is crucial for success in higher education.”
Phil Ollenberg, BFA, MA, associate registrar at Bow Valley College, echoes the importance of adopting a learning mindset. “From day one until the day you retire, be abundantly curious, ask questions, and never assume you know the whole situation,” he advises. “It has taken me years to learn these skills! The most successful new hires I have had are those who seek out and absorb the knowledge of diverse coworkers. They raise their voice and ask questions in meetings to check their understanding and avoid assumptions.”
2. Be proactive and forge strategic relationships from day one
You likely met several of your team members during the interview(s), but there may be other colleagues you’re meeting for the first time — as well as colleagues in other departments across campus.
“Don’t wait for others to reach out to you,” advises Eric Eng, Founder & CEO of AdmissionSight. “Take initiative and introduce yourself to your new colleagues. Building positive relationships with your co-workers from day one is vital for creating a supportive and collaborative work environment.”
Establishing cross-functional relationships early on can broaden your understanding of the institution and help you down the line when you need to consult or partner with colleagues in other offices.
In preparation, consider how you’ll introduce yourself. What will you share about your previous work experience? What do you want to share on a personal level (family, hobbies, interests, etc.) — if anything? It’s hard not to feel on the spot when you’re introducing yourself, but remember that it’s not all about you. Think about WHO you’re introducing yourself to and what’s in it for them. Try to tailor your talking points for them.
Cara Heilmann, president of the International Association of Career Coaches, recommends writing down two things: 1) What do you want them to know about you (not what you want to know) and 2) What do you want them to feel about you? Thinking about these things will help ensure your introduction and any messages about future collaboration come across as you intended.
3. Make yourself cheat sheets
Starting a new job will likely require you to digest a lot of new information (from institutional history and mission/vision statements to new acronyms, passwords, and software). If you don’t have a plan for organizing and retaining this information, you’re at risk of information overload. Our brain can only absorb and process so much at once. Don’t count on being able to remember everything. Taking notes, whether on a notepad or your computer, ensures that you have access to that information at any point that you need a refresher.
At the end of your first week, be sure to organize any handwritten notes you have jotted down and look over everything you have compiled. If you need any clarification, take the time to ask.
You may also want to ask your supervisor or co-workers if there is any existing documentation that would be helpful to you. If your department already has a list of acronyms, instructions on how to use a certain software, etc., you don’t have to recreate the wheel.
Success in a new job will come easier if we give ourselves the right tools, and making ourselves some cheat sheets with pertinent notes is a great first step.
4. Set goals and remember to fail forward
Scott Winstead, founder and editor in chief of MyElearningWorld.com, recommends identifying “what you want to achieve in the first week, month, and quarter” and making sure these goals “align with your role and the institution’s expectations.”
If possible, set periodic meetings with your supervisor to discuss if you are on track, but remember to give yourself grace — you may make a few mistakes in the beginning. Strive for effort and growth over perfection, and remember to be self-compassionate. Instead of harshly judging yourself, the key is to own up to any failures or mistakes, make a plan for avoiding them in the future, and ask for help if you need it.
Final Words
Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking. We all want to do our best, impress our new colleagues and supervisors, and get a strong start in our new role. The good news is there are several things you can do to achieve this: let go of old work habits and be open to new systems and cultures you will encounter, focus on strategic relationship-building, take notes and stay organized, and set goals with self-compassion.
