Five Tips for Adjusting to a New Job
Starting a new job can be an exciting, yet challenging time. Taking on more responsibilities, making new connections, familiarizing yourself with a new company, and assimilating into an entirely new company culture are just the beginning. But before you can feel completely comfortable with these major changes, it may take some adjusting.
Whether you are looking forward to starting your first day or have been settling in for a few months, use these five tips below for adjusting to your new role.
Accept the new changes
A new job is likely to bring about tons of new changes along with it, whether it’s changes in your responsibilities, skillset, or even a change in location. Whatever it is, remember that change can take some time to get used to. At first it may be difficult to not compare your new role to your previous one or maybe to one you hope to have in the future. However for the time being, keep an open mind and look forward to the new experiences you are about to endure. Remaining positive will help you stay motivated in your new role and remember why the change was necessary in the first place.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
As a newer employee, it's understandable and even expected that you will have some questions about your position or the company as a whole. When in doubt, reach out to your manager or coworkers to answer any lingering questions you have. Not only will this show you are determined to further develop your skills and your relationships with your colleagues, but it will aso genuinely help you gain a better understanding of what is expected of you in your new role.
Listen to feedback
Throughout your onboarding process or introductory period of your new role, take into consideration the feedback that you receive. If your new role does not offer a structured performance review, be sure to ask for feedback on your own whether from your manager or direct coworkers who would best be able to evaluate your performance thus far. Knowing how others you work closely with view your progress can help you to better understand what is or isn’t working so far and if or how you can make any improvements.
Get involved
Feeling comfortable at work goes beyond just liking your job. It also means enjoying the company of the people you are surrounded by and feeling included in the culture they have created. In other words, with a positive company culture, comes an enjoyable work experience that benefits your life in and out of work. Therefore, a major way to make strides in adjusting to your new position is to get involved in any way that piques your interest. Whether it's partaking in out-of-work team bonding or joining an employee resource group, take advantage of the experiences or perks your organization has invested in in order to reap all of the benefits that come with being an engaged employee.
Step out of your comfort zone
Adjusting to a new job can take time and effort, which may require you to step out of your comfort zone. Consider making plans to get lunch with your coworkers during the work day or be the first to introduce yourself to new colleagues. These small gestures will allow you to feel more comfortable at work and can lead to strengthened relationships along the way, resulting in an improved view of your new role and responsibilities.
Find resources on professional development, career guidance, and more on the Nexus Staff blog. Looking for a new role? Check out our list of available jobs here or contact us today to get started on your personalized recruitment experience.
