What is the Hardest Part of Starting a New Job?

For some people, landing a new job is the hard part. Once a new hire steps into a new role, starting a job may become stressful while the staff gets used to a new person, and the new hire gets accustomed to new co-workers.

The key to getting along at your new job is to have a plan of attack. Realize that nothing is a perfect fit, and there may be some aspects of your position that you do not understand right away. Even quick learners could have a few hiccups for the first few weeks of a job. Your first 30 days on the job represent a critical point that leads to success further down the career path.

Prioritize what you need to learn first. You have too much information to take in all at once. Determine what time-sensitive tasks must be accomplished first at your new job, and use your time management skills wisely.

Find a buddy when you're starting a job, particularly the friendliest person in your department you meet on your first day. You have tons of questions as you begin, and some of them may be too embarrassing to ask your new boss. Your new friend becomes your confidant who can point you in the right direction to find answers.

Understand your expectations at your new job. Have one-on-one contact with the important people in your department who can help you assimilate quickly. The point of getting to know people is to ascertain people's working habits, communication styles and personalities. The more you know, the better you can relate to those in your office.

Pay attention during orientation. This can last a few hours, or it could take more than week. The orientation is likely to cover the company's structure, its mission statement, its goals and prominent people in the organization. You may even hear about benefits, policies and the dress code. Pick up vital information relevant to your position during orientation. You may get a hint of the company's culture at this time.

Come into your new job as if you know very little. Some things may be done differently at your new company as opposed to your previous firm. Show your boss you know enough to do your job adequately at first, and then learn how you best fit in for the rest of the learning curve. That way, your manager has a chance to guide you into your new role.

Eschew what does not work, and get rid of it quickly. The faster you ditch concepts that fail, the faster you reach strategies that work. Shunning old ways of doing things makes you a more valuable employee in a faster time frame.

A new job has its promise and its pitfalls. Navigate the rough patches by having a plan in place before your first day so you can hit your first month running. Having a strategy in place shows your boss you mean business.

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