Walking into a new office environment feels uneasy and a bit awkward. Everyone is busy going about their business, chatting with one another, and you feel like an intruder. Hopefully, the proper on-boarding process will help make you feel less uncomfortable and get you acquainted with others quickly. Froehling Anderson put together a few tips to follow to help get you off to a good start at your new job.
- First Impressions: On your first day, you will be meeting your team and your other colleagues. This is an opportunity for you to make the right impression.
- Your appearance should be professional and appropriate. Even on a casual Friday, error on the side of business casual attire.
- Always stand and do not be afraid to be the first person reach out to shake someone’s hand.
- Lean forward and ask them what their name is and then repeat it.
- Smile and make eye contact.
- Ask a question or offer a compliment (or both!)
- Before leaving, repeat his/her name and let them know that you enjoyed meeting him/her.
- Take Notes: Throughout the day you are going to be bombarded with information. Your notes will be invaluable later as you begin working. Nothing is more frustrating than training someone who doesn’t take notes.
- A Buddy: Most firms provide a buddy to help you transition into your new position. With your buddy (or a peer); ask them to grab a coffee and get to know him/her. Ask questions about their career and be prepared to ask questions about the culture of the office.
- Best behavior: As your team gets more comfortable with you, their behavior and conversation may become more casual. You however, are still proving yourself. Remain polished and professional. Follow procedures and policies. Clarify with management any information your co-workers have provided that are outside of the policy as you understood it.
- Communication: Not only should your verbal communication be clear and concise, so should your written communication, especially email. Ensure that all written communication is professional.
- Avoid “At my last job”: You are in a new position, a new start. How your last job handled PTO requests is irrelevant; or any other policies. Your energy should be spent in learning the processes and procedures at your new job.
- Get to know IT contacts: Make sure to be introduced to the IT professionals at your new place of employment. Get to know the best way to communicate issues with them and schedule any training that you may need.
- Stay productive: Work hard to stay productive; come in early and stay late. If you don’t have work, make sure to let others know that you have availability.
- Participate socially: Join others for lunch or firm events. Building internal relationships throughout the firm is important as you begin to develop your career.
- Follow up: Follow up often with your new boss to find out how you are doing. Ask specific questions about how you can better communicate, be more efficient or how to improve any skills.
