Adjusting to a New Job

Advice Candidate

Starting a new job is one of the most exciting challenges in your career, however it can also be very daunting and stressful at times, even for the most seasoned professionals. It is very normal be nervous and feel out of your comfort zone. Often there is so much information to absorb, so many new systems and procedures to get your head around and such little time to get up to speed. Likewise, adjusting to new responsibilities, a new work environment and a new boss can take some time. But it is important to remember that everyone was new in their position once and with the right approach, settling in to your new role should be a positive experience. It can take anywhere between 3-6 months or even longer to fully settle into a new job. So, don’t panic if you don’t feel on top of your game for a while. You will in time, so go easy on yourself. We've put together some of our top tips to ensure the transition into your new role is as smooth as possible:

Anticipate change - Whether it be an internal promotion or joining a new employer, the first few weeks of any new job is always challenging. Try not to have too many expectations, no job will be exactly as expected. Being flexible, ready to take on new challenges and adjustable to a new environment is key. Taking on a new position also means acquiring a whole array of new relationships, so be sure to keep an open mind and have a positive attitude. If you anticipate the changes and challenges ahead, we guarantee your transition into your new role will be much more smooth sailing.

Get to know your new boss – Understanding your boss’ communication style, expectations and way of working early in the transition process can be significantly beneficial. Find out how they like to work on a day-to-day basis and particularly, how they like things done. For example, 1:1 meetings or team meetings? Are they into the detail or bigger picture focussed? Do emails, phone calls or face-to-face discussions suit best? Finding out these things early on will help you settle into your new role more seamlessly. Be proactive and initiate a meeting with your new manager to discuss how they like to work and ensure you understand what is expected of you.

Networking and relationship building with your new team – It is very normal to be nervous and feel out of your comfort zone in a new environment, particularly where the existing staff have already gelled as a team. Be professional, but most importantly be yourself (after all, that’s who the company employed). It can take time to establish trust and credibility within a new team or organisation. Start by making a point of meeting people and remembering their names. Try to understand their roles and responsibilities and maintain eye contact when speaking. Be friendly, considerate and respectful and take cues from your teammates - for example, if they are talking as they work, join in. Or if they all go off to do something socially together after work, get involved. Even if you’re secretly an introvert, invest time and make an effort to get to know your teammates in your first few weeks.

Learn the organisational culture - Take time to understand the company’s culture and values. Observe the members of your team and the way they interact with each other. How do they communicate? What language do they use? What is their behaviour like? How do they handle difficult situations? How is conflict managed? How do they recognise a job well done? Observe what goes on within the company and identify what works and what doesn’t.

Goal setting – Set both short-term and long-term goals which are realistic and achievable for your new position. Break them into manageable steps and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Setting expectations will help you focus and align your purpose with the company’s objectives and performance.

Embracing change with a growth mindset - Change is essential for growth and success. But by adopting a growth mindset, you are recognising that obstacles and setbacks are opportunities for learning and development. Be willing to acquire new skills and information and be flexible and adaptive to embrace a new work environment and organisational culture in a positive manner.

Take care of yourself - Don’t neglect the basics while settling into your new job. Running on caffeine and sugar is not going to help you function at your best. With all the new things to learn and work to be done, it can be easy to miss regular food breaks or forget to breathe! Make the time to get up from your desk and take a short walk. Take a break when you need one. And, remember to eat healthily, get enough sleep and exercise daily. This will assist in recharging your batteries and ensure your brain is performing at its optimum level.

Ask questions – Don’t be shy, ask questions. Both your manager and colleagues would much rather you ask questions when you’re unsure about something, opposed to continuing on working without understanding exactly what it is that is expected of you. It can be far more time-consuming and costly to fix any errors that you may have made later down the track. Therefore, your new manager and colleagues understand that you don’t have all the answers yet, and are expecting you to be curious.

Adapting to new job is a journey of transformation and growth. It presents exciting opportunities for both personal and professional development, despite all the hurdles along the way. You can successfully navigate these challenges and thrive in your new role by approaching the transition with a growth mindset, actively developing new relationships, setting achievable goals, understanding the company culture, and maintaining open communication. Be patient with yourself as you embark on this exciting career voyage; and remember that adaptation takes time.