Essential Do’s and Don'ts for Starting a New Role .

Landing a new job is exciting! You’ve navigated the interviews, impressed the hiring team, and now you’re ready to embark on a new chapter. The first few weeks can be crucial for setting yourself up for long-term success. To allow you to hit the ground running, we’ve compiled a list of essential “do’s” and “don’ts” to ensure a smooth and impactful start.

Setting yourself up for success:

1. Be proactive and curious: Don’t wait to be told what to do.  Use your initiative to understand the role, team dynamics and company culture

2. Make the effort to connect with your colleagues: Building positive relationships is key. Introduce yourself, accept invitations for coffee or lunch, and show genuine interest in getting to know your team members. These connections can become invaluable for navigating the workplace

3. Understand expectations clearly: Ask for clarification on your responsibilities, goals, and how your performance will be evaluated. Don’t hesitate to ask your manager for specific examples or timelines

4. Be organised and take notes: Keep track of important information, tasks, and deadlines from the start. Develop your own system, whether it’s digital or handwritten notes, to help you to stay on top of things

5. Seek feedback early and often: You don’t need to wait for a formal review. Ask for constructive criticism for your manager or members of your team. This helps to showcase your commitment to growth and allows you to make any necessary adjustments early

6. Be punctual and reliable: Making sure you arrive on time for meetings as well as consistently delivering on your commitments builds trust and demonstrates your professionalism

7. Learn the company culture: Try to observe how people interact, communicate, and make decisions. Understanding the unspoken rules and norms of the workplace will help you to integrate more effectively

8. Celebrate the small wins: Take the time to acknowledge your progress and successes, no matter how small they may be. This helps you to build momentum and stay motivated during the initial adjustment period

9. Be patient with yourself: It will take time to full acclimate to a new role and company. Don’t get discouraged by initial challenges or feeling overwhelmed. It’s better to focus on your continuous learning and growth

   

Avoiding Potential Pitfalls:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask “too many” questions: Whilst listening is crucial, don’t stay silent if you’re genuinely confused. Asking clarifying questions is better than making assumptions or errors

2. Don’t overcommit yourself too early: While enthusiasm is great, try to avoid taking on too many extra projects and responsibilities before you’ve fully grasped your core duties

3. Don’t badmouth your previous employer or colleagues: Maintaining a positive and professional attitude is essential. Instead, focus on the future and the opportunities your new role offers

4. Don’t be resistant to new ideas or ways of working: Be open-minded and show a willingness to learn new processes, even when they differ from what you’re used to

5. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, learn from them: Everyone makes mistakes, especially when starting something new. The key is to acknowledge them, learn from them, and avoid repeating them

6. Don’t assume you know everything: Even if you have experience in a similar role, remember that every company has their own unique way of doing things. Be humble and willing to learn

7. Don’t neglect your well-being: Starting a new job can be demanding. Ensure that you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks to avoid burnout

   

Good luck!