Starting a new job can be an exciting time, but also nerve-wracking. Whether it’s an entry level position or management role, it’s intimidating to be the “new kid.” Stepping into a team that already works well together can make you feel unnecessary or even unnoticed.
Fortunately, there are several ways to help yourself stand out and make a great impression.
Arrive on time.
Being on time to work doesn’t mean showing up as the clock chimes the start of your shift. Try to arrive to work five to ten minutes early so you are at your workstation ready to begin your day. This is especially true for your very first day!
Demonstrate your reliability by staying consistent on your arrival and departure times, ensuring that you are indeed working for your entire shift, as you were hired to do. If your schedule needs to change, be sure to notify your coworkers in case they need to cover for you.
Show respect for existing employees.
There is a team of people ready to help you adjust to your new role. Something that may not set things off on the right foot is you questioning everything they do from the moment you arrive. Before you suggest any changes or new ideas, make sure to ask your new colleagues if and how this has been done before, or if they feel it could be improved upon. Show your coworkers that you respect their knowledge and experience, even – and especially – If you were hired to be their manager.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you never want to suggest improvements when they are needed. Just be sure to first get any insight on past attempts or similar ideas from the history of the company from the existing members of your team.
Go the extra mile.
It might seem cliché, but try to go beyond your job description and outlined duties whenever you can. This shows your coworkers and supervisors that you not only care about doing your job efficiently, but also helping others do theirs in order to be successful.
This can mean volunteering to serve on committees that aren’t part of your usual duties or working overtime on a project. It can also include simply doing things that need to be done without being asked. Offer help to others and become the company’s “go-to” person.
Embrace the unwanted.
Every department most likely has “that job” no one ever wants to do. Maybe it’s something mundane or requires a lot of extra time and effort that some may not be able to provide.
To really stand out in your new role, identify “that job” or project no one else wants to take on, and give it a try yourself. Perhaps you find yourself with a little downtime at the end of the workday. Take those extra few minutes and perform or outline that task. Showing the initiative to complete these non-glamorous assignments will earn you the respect of your peers.
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