Beyond your outlined 30/60/90 day goals, but how can you establish a long-lasting positive reputation? Your first few weeks in a job will pave the road for your relationships with your coworkers and supervisors, help in establishing your routines, and ultimately set the tone for the future of your position.

 

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Step One

Hopefully you’ve already done this, but try to understand the job at hand. Make sure that you understand the objectives of the position and create a plan to achieve them. Make sure that you’re focused on the job at hand- not just singular elements of the position. Create a list of goals, and steps that you might need to take to achieve them. Once you learn the basic functions of your position you can then bring your new (undoubtedly, fabulous) ideas to the table.

Step Two

Introduce yourself! Getting to know the people that you work with will create a positive work environment as things may be overwhelming. This will let your peers know that you’re ready to work on a team with them, and it will also help you orient yourself, and find important contacts as you learn the details of your position. It can be easy to rely on managers to introduce you to your peers- but don’t miss out on building important relationships because you weren’t formally introduced. Keep a running list of the people that you meet- so that you can be personable and relaxed instead of spending your time to remember everyone’s names.

Step Three

Start off on the right foot, and be enthusiastic! Be yourself (they like you! They picked you above every other applicant) and show genuine excitement for this new position. You’ll be working to build your ever-important network and your interest and fervor will be memorable the next time an internal opening comes along. Ask questions about things you’re interested in-ask to see the product that the company is working on- find a way to relate and invest yourself in the work that your company is doing.

Step Four

Stay busy. When you’re in a new position (or any position, really) there shouldn’t be a time that you’re not learning. Seek tasks and ask coworkers if they can show you what they’re working on. Go over training materials and notes- make sure that you understand the objectives of your role and the current system of making things.

However, an important element of staying busy is drawing the fine line between asking for help and navigating uncharted territory for yourself. Play around with the functions of your job to see what ways are best for you to accomplish what you need to do. As long as you are mindful to keep this dynamic balanced you will do well.