Receiving a job offer is just one step in your career move. During the first 90 days, you spend in your new role you'll have endless opportunities to demonstrate your skills and make a positive impact. The more carefully you plan for your initial introduction to a new company, the easier it will be to demonstrate your value and confirm to your new manager that they made the right decision in hiring you. So, how can you ensure a successful start?
1. Know What's Expected of You
If you haven’t already, ask for a copy of your job description, and an overview of how your role supports your team members. Once you have that information, review it thoroughly and write down any questions you have. You can then set up a meeting with your manager to ask for clarification on points such as:
· What goals you need to achieve in your first 30,60 and 90 days.
· How your performance will be measured/evaluated.
· Who you can turn to for guidance - perhaps suggest a work buddy
While your first 90 days is a golden opportunity to make a great impression, you will be under probation during this time, so your manager may be looking at "KPIs" to determine how effective you are in your role. This is also the critical time for you to determine if your new role is for you!
2. Build Your Network
Knowing people within your organisation is crucial to your progress. If you're getting a promotion in the same company, building your network may be as simple as connecting with colleagues, stakeholders and senior leaders who are relevant to your new role.
In a completely new organisation, the best way to start developing valuable relationships is to ask your manager for the names of key people you will be working with both internally and externally.
Once you know who you need to connect with, find out how people communicate in your new team. Note the differences from your prior position. For instance: · Do they prefer informal discussions to scheduled meetings? · Are in-person requests prioritised over email?
· Do staff groups eat lunch together or at their desks?
· Is it usual to invite external stakeholders to the office to meet or go offsite?
3. Demonstrate the Right Skills Your employer hired you for a reason
During the interview process, they may have noticed your excellent technical skills, been impressed by your soft skills, and even your ability to work in a team. Look at your job description and use it to highlight the characteristics you need to demonstrate in the months ahead.
For instance:
· Accountability may be an important factor for financial teams.
· Good judgment and negotiation skills are key for client-facing employees
· Flexibility and honesty are crucial for any new hire
If you're not sure which skills matter most - then ask. Above all else, show enthusiasm in your new role, and a desire to impress. Asking lots of questions and listening to the answers your manager gives not only eliminates confusion, but it also shows that you're a proactive member of the team.
4. Cultivate Good Habits (And Reduce Bad Ones)
Finally, all employees develop habits over the course of their careers. Some are positive, like always being ready to speak up at a meeting or knowing when to turn up to work early to finish a project on time. However, some habits can hold you back from reaching your full potential.
Taking a new job isn't just about starting the next step in your career path. It's an opportunity to start fresh and embrace your future. As you integrate into your new company, make sure that any bad habits don't hold you back. Here are some examples:
· The fear of uncertainty: Ask questions and be ready to take risks.
· Avoiding discomfort: Embrace new experiences as opportunities to learn.
· Making excuses: Look for proactive solutions to problems.
· Distractions: Stay professional and give projects or people your full attention.
Think about your personal brand and what you want to be known for in the company. There is no doubt that your new colleagues and manager will judge you. Take control and decide what judgements you want them to make and choose the habits and behaviours that will mean that you are judged in the way you want to be.
About Change Recruitment
Change is a specialist recruitment consultancy based in Scotland. We have a strong reputation for service delivery. With a global reach, we work across the UK, EMEA, the Americas and Asia-Pac, locating exceptional talent for some of the world’s leading organisations. With over 45 years in the recruitment industry, our areas of expertise include; Accountancy and Finance; Investment Management and Asset Servicing; Risk and Compliance; IT, Digital and Business Change; Marketing; Business Services and Construction and Building Services. To get in contact with our friendly team. Email us here or call Glasgow ++44(041) 226 3101 or Edinburgh +44(0131)225 7744.