Shine In Your New Job with 5 Quick Tips

Starting a new role will happen often as you successfully climb the career ladder.  First impressions are crucial for your success.  To play bigger as you advance and to impress your new boss, try these five ways to rise and shine! 

• Learn your boss' work style.  During your first few days, carefully observe your boss closely and listen attentively to what they say. Does she like to communicate more in email or in person?  Is he a morning person or tends to hit his stride in the afternoon.  By observing his or her behaviors, you'll discover their communication style and notice what works for them. You'll also see how they tend to respond to stressful situations and the manner in which they provide feedback.  Then align yourself and your style to be complementary.  

• Research your new agency. Supplement everything you learned during the interview process with your new inside look at the agency. Go over its website, employee handbooks and agency literature. Play close attention during your orientation process to unique features and accomplishments. You'll be able to ask more insightful questions based on your research. By taking the time to understand the history of your agency, the job you are in, and the future direction of the agency, you leap ahead to the top of the office pool.  Trust me on this.

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• Take initiative. If you complete the initial assignments you're given, be proactive in finding constructive things to do.  Demonstrate your willingness to pitch in with routine tasks so you can learn the ropes. Organizations want staffers who can think on their feet and take action without waiting for someone to tell them what to do.  Determine if you're comfortable with this.  If not, work on it.  I've found this quality, in my experience, to be the one that gets people promoted quickly. A few ways to develop initiative include building your self-confidence, looking for opportunities, and persisting in the face of challenges.

 

• ​Focus on performing well. Be punctual and keep your personal business to a minimum on work time. Commit yourself to doing high-quality work and pay attention to details.  Execute any task given as flawlessly as you possibly can.  Set clear, SMART goals (yes, there is such a thing).  Decide on how you will measure success in achieving those goals and hold yourself accountable for making them a reality.

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• Use good judgment about office politics. If you hear unflattering things about other co-workers or the agency, reserve making any comments of your own until you're better acquainted with all the facts. You can be cordial without getting bogged down in office gossip. When people spend long hours per day together and work for the same promotions and raises, competition is inevitable.  However, learn to pick your battles.  Don't feel the need to engage in every conversation. Maintain professional distance while still being friendly.  In other words, go to happy hour with your colleagues after work.  Just don't become the topic of water cooler gossip because you had one too many glasses of red wine and let loose.  AND they have pictures? That's a no-no!

A new job can be challenging and exciting at the same time. Use these five quick tips to help you get off to a good start.  Impress your boss and colleagues by using career success strategies that increase your reputation and help you get ahead.  What other tips would you share about shining in your new gig?

Want to get more inside tips on improving your career?  Schedule your Dream Career Breakthrough Call with me today. I can't wait to hear from you!

Andrala Walker is the CEO of Envision Career Success.  Walker is the creator of the Career Catalyst and Career Advancement Coaching Systems. A certified career coach, trainer, and author, Walker teaches women in the nonprofit and public sectors to build meaningful careers and play bigger in their lives.

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