Six tips for settling into a new job
posted 06 Dec 22
Landing a new job is both exciting and daunting. Whether it’s your first career move or you have worked in your line of work for years, getting to grips with a whole host of new processes, people, and ways of working can be challenging.
While companies may offer ‘settling in’ periods and onboarding programs, it’s ultimately in your hands to make it a success. We’ve shared six tips on settling into a new job and encouraging a smooth transition.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions early on
When starting a new job, we often want to appear natural and capable in front of new co-workers. Although you may want to refrain from asking questions early on in your job, you will thank yourself for doing so later. Your questions may even offer a fresh perspective and help co-workers.
Questions related to company expectations, processes, and policies are always a great place to start. Ultimately, the better you understand how your company operates, the faster you will become an asset to the company, which makes settling into a new job easier.
2. Find a mentor or someone you can reach out to
You may not want to reach out to your manager every time you have a small query, so it’s important that you find a mentor or someone that you feel comfortable asking questions. Identify somebody you can connect with on both a professional and personal level. Having someone by your side who is knowledgeable and skilled in their field will help you settle into your new job, and also help to advance your career in the long run.
3. Learn about the business and understand their culture
Spend time developing your knowledge of your employer and absorb everything that is going on around you. Take note of who the decision-makers are, how they communicate, and their business goals and values.
It’s normal to have a culture shock when you join a new company. Give yourself time to get used to this new culture before deciding whether it works for you or not. According to Harvard Business Review, it takes around 90 days to get used to a new work culture.Â
4. Spend time relationship building
Building relationships is a key skill in any area of life. During your first few weeks of a new job, it’s crucial you familiarise yourself with as many people as possible. The sooner you’re over the hurdle of the first initial greeting, the better your experience will be, as people will be more open to approaching you for both professional and personal conversations.
Even though people might be informal with each other, be aware of hierarchies in the office and use this to guide you on how to behave in certain settings. You may even want to create your own organisational chart, including names, their roles in the office, and particular responsibilities and areas of expertise.
5. Review your job description
Whilst you may be swept up in adjusting to your new work environment, it’s just as important to understand your new job description. Recap the job description you received in your job offer to gain a clear understanding of what is expected of you. You can then ensure you are in contact with the correct people in your company to help you meet these expectations.
6. Be patient with yourself
Lastly, remember that be patient with yourself. The first few weeks and months of a new job can be challenging. In fact, it takes 3-6 months to feel truly settled into your new role. On the days you feel out of your depth or overwhelmed, we recommend jotting down everything you have achieved in the role so far to help you feel motivated and accomplished.
We wish you luck in your new role and hope our top tips for adjusting to a new work environment and company have helped you to settle in. In time your new role will feel like second nature, and you will be confident navigating across the team.
Whether you’re looking for a new job or career advice, our specialist recruitment team can help. Check out our current jobs or contact us today to discuss your requirements.Â
