After an exhaustive job search, passing an interview with flying colors, engaging in the perfect salary negotiation and accepting the position, some people would take it easy before the first days of a new job. However, keeping the pace between the offer and the job is the best way to make a good first impression and prove you were the right candidate for the position.
At the senior level, you're expected to get up to speed extremely quickly; scrutiny starts from Day One. Getting ahead of the curve will improve your credibility with superiors and peers alike.
Let's take a look at five tips and tasks that are essential to establishing authority, familiarity and rapport.
Get Started Right Away
Your job doesn't start on the first day of work. While the job search itself entails a research phase on potential employers, you should expand that knowledge base immediately and continue through to the first days on the job. Start with the organization chart and conversation with managers to identify marketing and product strategies. The human-resources department is a good resource to tap for collateral materials about the company. Focusing early on key players and talent pools will help you make a difference early.
Identify goals for your first month as well as significant milestones for projects that are already underway upon your arrival. Get a clear picture of a successful outcome for each project, and identify how you can help realize it.
Keep Networks In Mind
Networking is paramount. Use down time to reinforce contacts and relationships from your previous positions even as you expand that network to include your new company.
Never burn bridges when leaving a company, no matter what the previous situation might have been. Colleagues will turn up again during the course of a career in many different roles and during future job searches.
In order to integrate with a new company's culture, take the initiative socially. Don't eat lunch in the office or with old friends; instead, find out how lunch works in the new culture and get together with new colleagues. Focus on listening and paying attention to the general climate. Are meeting times set in stone? To what hours do people adhere? How much chitchat is acceptable during working hours? Is e-mail or face-to-face communication preferable?
Smooth Transitions
An executive's ability to accomplish difficult goals and complete projects on time and on budget often depends on the strength of her network and personal resources. Building relationships with dependable vendors and industry contacts can often take years, so be sure to bring those relationships with you when you relocate.
On the other end, ensuring that institutional knowledge is passed on when leaving a company is also vital in maintaining a good rapport with former employers. Hoarding knowledge is not a good way to enhance your professional reputation.
Human Resources And Housekeeping
Take advantage of your transition time with housekeeping and human-resources compliance. Try to complete as much HR paperwork as you can before starting the job - and try to get your business cards ordered in advance.
Whenever possible, make time before your official start date to schedule meetings with team members, managers and key personnel. Get a jump on organizing your office space so you start fresh.
Don't Be Intimidated
Throughout the early days in a new position, try not to feel awkward about asking questions. It's simply impossible to know everything from Day One; allow yourself enough time to integrate into a new environment. Realistic expectations are an essential tonic for the stress of a new job.
Go back over orientation material after a week or so has passed, once you have a feel for the actual workflow and climate. Don't let pride get in the way, and don't turn down offers of help. Some managers are better suited to training new hires than others, so don't hesitate to ask direct questions.
While starting a new job is stressful, harnessing that nervous energy can instead help new hires shine from day one.
Author Resource:
Matthew Rothenberg is editor-in-chief of TheLadders.com, the premier Web site for online job searches of $100K+ jobs, salary negotiation tips, and tailored resume advice.Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com
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