Ask Questions
Never ever EVER be afraid to ask questions! So many people hesitate because they think it will make them look foolish or incompetent. The truth is that you want to ask questions to make sure you understand everything you’ve been told. Would you rather ask a question on day one to make sure you’re doing something right, or find out on day ten that you’ve been doing it wrong the whole time? Which do you think makes you look more foolish? Swallow your pride and ask questions.
Absorb EVERYTHING
Commit everything you see, hear, and learn to memory. Names, tasks, important processes, etc. Anything that is important for the job you will be performing should be absorbed like a sponge. It impresses your coworkers if you can quickly pick up on what is expected of you and if you can seamlessly become a part of the team without having to stop someone every five minutes to ask what you should be doing.
Remember Names
One quick way to get noticed when you’re starting a new job is to learn and remember your coworkers’ names. Nothing shows that you are committed to becoming a member of the team like coming in on day two and greeting everyone by their name. It also builds a sense of trust and can help you integrate yourself into the office culture more quickly.
Take Initiative
Whenever you’re starting a new position, you want to jump in right away and start working. If there is anything you know you can complete without any assistance, do it! Even if there’s small things around the office you can help with like brewing more coffee or replacing paper in the copier when you see it’s getting low, take the time to do it without being asked. It goes a long way to impressing your manager and shows your coworkers that you are invested in the company and the work you all do.
Don’t be Afraid to Speak Up
Many people don’t speak up much their first few days for fear of rocking the boat, when in reality that’s exactly what you want to do! You shouldn’t say anything off the wall, but you should definitely add to the conversation. You got hired to contribute to a team, make sure you remind them that you were the right person for the job. Now don’t walk into an office and assume you know everything, but if you have experience and insight about a certain topic make sure you communicate your concerns.
Offer to Help
As we have said in each of the entries above, when you’re hired into a new position you are expected to join and be an effective member of a team. Even if you aren’t assigned to work with a “team” you will still be working with coworkers on a regular basis and building those relationships is important to creating a good work environment. One of the fastest ways you can nurture your relationships with coworkers is offering to help them if they need it, and if it doesn’t conflict with your responsibilities. Being an effective team means helping each other so the entire group succeeds.
–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant