Starting a New Job

In the past few posts we’ve discussed resumes and interview techniques. Now that you’ve jumped through those hurdles and landed the position, what happens next? Starting a new job brings about a variety of emotions: there’s excitement at the new opportunity, perhaps relief at having the job search over, and fear of the unknown. With a new job you’re facing several new situations at once. Not only do you have to learn a new position, but you also have to learn about the organizational culture and expected organizational behavior. Each business has its own set of social norms, or accepted and expected behavior. To complicate matters, the culture of any business is unwritten and must be learned from listening and observing others. All of this can make for a nerve-wracking experience.

One of the first things you’ll want to understand upon starting a new job is the organizational chart. Companies should have a written outline of how people and positions fit within the organization. This will show you who reports to whom and allow you to see what the chain of command is. The organizational chart gives you a visual aid of where you fit within the organization.

Within your first days you’ll want to watch for unwritten rules and social norms. Is it expected that you will bring your lunch and eat in the cafeteria? Does the organization practice "casual Fridays" and if so how is casual defined. If you have questions about something ask. Remember, you’re new and you’re not expected to know all of the answers. It’s a good idea to spend some time talking to your supervisor or trainer about the organizational culture and asking questions about "standard operating procedures." And as time goes on, you will pick up on other organiza-tional expectations.

Last, but not least, remember that as much as you’re observing you are being observed. Your co-workers are observing you to see how you will fit into the organization. Remember, first impressions matter. Even though the official interview is over, the trial period is very much in effect. So put your best foot forward and approach each day as a continuation of the interview process.

Hope Harris-Gayles, M.Ed