Conquering New Job Jitters

Congratulations! The job offer you honestly wanted came through. You have a starting date. The competition for this position was tough. You came out on top. Here are a few do’s and don'ts to help make your boss glad you are the person who got the job.

You were nervous during the application and interview process. You checked out the company before you applied for the job. You did your homework and knew what to expect at the interview. 

Today’s job market is difficult to crack, but you did it. That fact alone says a great deal about your education and abilities. Don’t sell yourself short.

The first day on any new job is hard. Even the burger flipping jobs you held while you were in college were difficult at first. This position is no different even though it is the beginning of your career. It will be challenging until you learn the ropes.

Read the employee’s handbook. Take an interest in the company’s history. Become familiar with the company’s values and culture.

First of all don’t be late for work. Come in a few minutes early and be prepared to stay a little later. You want to prove to everyone in the organization that you are responsible. Be on time for meetings. Meet deadlines.

No one expects you to know everything in the beginning. Your employer understands that there is a learning curve.

Ask questions. People like to help. Take time to understand all the instructions. Take notes and refer to them as often as necessary. You’ll make a better impression by doing the job carefully and accurately than by working quickly and making mistakes that must be corrected.

Your supervisor and coworkers will get a sense of your strengths and abilities in your first few weeks on the job. These first impressions are crucial. They may affect your chances for future promotions within the organization. This is especially true if you’ve been hired for an entry-level position.

Be courteous to everyone you meet. Brush up on business etiquette skills. Always say ‘thank you.’

Show your enthusiasm at being part of the team. Let the people you work with know that you are pleased to be there. 

Listen more, talk less. Be observant. Pay attention. Stay organized. Learn the names that go with the faces. 

As you gain experience ask for more challenging projects. Perhaps a coworker needs some help in meeting a deadline.   

Don’t tend to personal business on company time. Avoid water cooler gossip. Ignore office politics for as long as possible.

Work at establishing a strong relationship with your boss. Don’t take every small problem to your boss, however.  Ask a coworker for assistance.  The answer to your question may be in the copious notes you took. 

Keep an open mind. You got the job because you were the best candidate for the opening. You want to prove to your manager that he or she made the right decision in hiring you.