Starting A New Job - Top Tips From Your Career Change Coach

Starting a new job is the time when you need to be extra careful not to tread on too many toes; you cannot rely on the goodwill of people who are already established in the organization although you will be told about the elusive 'honeymoon' period - quite often you see references to the 'First 100 Days' which is the maximum time that a new executive has to make an impact. Follow the advice below and make sure you fit in and start to contribute as soon as possible.

You are best advised to make special efforts to assimilate yourself into the ways of the new business and start to build an understanding of who you are and what your role means - both to you and to your new company. Get all the information you need to make your career change successful in my Career Changer's Guide.

Top Tips For Starting A New Job

1. When starting a new job, try to get to know people.

As soon as you can, try to meet those people in your department and then those in departments that you have dealings with. Ask lots of sensible questions about how 'things work' and get clarification if necessary so you gain a really good understanding of how the place works. Listen carefully to people's answers and learn more as they talk. Ask how long they have worked there and what they like about the firm.

2. Don't try to change anything too soon.

Don't go round saying: "we used to do it like this at xxxx..." You must remain open to learning "their" way before you can start to suggest "your" way, even if you think their way is wrong, otherwise you will soon alienate people.

3. Find out about your boss's priorities.

What exactly is expected of you. Do you know what your job description says? When you are starting a new job concentrate on what you should be doing and perform well to make an impact.

4. Network with different people in the organization.

Learn how the grapevine of your new workplace actually gets things done better than the formal routes. Aim to join other people for lunch or invite them to share your lunch break. Get to know people and gather their impressions of how to get on well in the organization.

5. Learn about the culture, when starting a new job.

People who have been there a long time know the ropes and understand the culture and politics. Try and schedule some time to talk with them. The better people get to know you, the quicker you will be seen to fit in and become one of them, not just a new starter.

6. Get to know the key players. Seek out people both inside and outside your own area who have jobs that are essential to you and your team's success. If you ask for their support and offer your support to them, you create a mutually beneficial link.

7. Identify what is important.

Develop a plan that shows how and when you will address your most critical challenges and the time frames that you expect completion. Aim to do the first things first and share this with your boss.

8. Don't be afraid to ask...

When starting a new job, many people don't like to ask for help because they think it is a sign of stupidity or other weakness, but it's often essential to ask as other people will know the processes that the company have. Make sure you stick to their rules for doing things and you will be OK. Asking other people helps them to feel good, so long as you don't keep asking the same questions you will soon become an accepted member of the team.

9. Complete a project.

Working from your own action plan, choose at least one visible project to be completed within your first 60 days in the job. This early success lets people know you are serious about your new job.

10. Look after yourself.

Create a time table for yourself that allows for some time off and good rest and relaxation. Starting a new job is stressful so include activities that you know reduce stress for you i.e. proper rest, exercise, good diet, family time etc.

11. Tell people about your successes

You should feel good about what you have accomplished; both in getting the new job and making the adjustments to a new organisation. Confidence grows out of success and is an important part of your settling in to your job.

So, when starting a new job, follow these ten tips and do not rely on the goodwill of people who are already established in the organization. Although you will be told about the elusive 'honeymoon' period, it is better to assume that there is no such thing and get your head down.

Knowing how to find a job is the main concern for lots of people in this difficult economic jobs market. With job losses and redundancies affecting more and more people, the fear of not being able to find another job naturally increases.

Personal Marketing: Don't be too worried if, like a lot of us you have some difficulty when it comes to talking about yourself. The preparation of some self-marketing, personally spoken “Presentation” statements can give you a real edge when it comes to your turn to talk about yourself. The importance of a good self-introduction in your interview should not be under-estimated.

Returning to work after a career break, or going back to work after any extended period away from the job, can prove to be quite a challenge.

Whatever the reason for the career break, the absence from work frequently causes feelings of reduced confidence and lack of certainty about your ability to perform a particular job when you return to work.

If you are over 50 and looking for a job you may well think that everybody is against you and that there are no suitable jobs for mature workers like you. I've included information that I think may help to throw some light on what the older workers, people who are over 50, can actually do to help when returning to work - even if you took early retirement.

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