TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

Knock ‘Em Dead Your First Month on the Job

You’ve just accepted a job as a network administrator at a large company after spending five years in a similar position at a small firm. The position is likely to be more challenging than your last one, and the people, policies and procedures will be unfamiliar to you. 

All these changes make starting a new job both exciting and stressful. While most managers understand you need time to adapt, they also will take note of how you do it. Because first impressions are lasting ones, here are some tips to help you make the most of your first month on the job.

Start fresh. When you’re leaving a position, it’s typical that you will be busy tying up loose ends right up until you walk out the door on your last day. That’s why it’s important to unwind and clear your head before you begin a new job. Try to take at least a few days off between leaving your old position and starting your next one. If that’s not feasible, make sure you at least have a very restful weekend and a good night’s sleep before your first day. Feeling refreshed will help you begin your job at your personal best.

Assess the corporate culture. Spend a few weeks studying the culture at your new firm. It’s a good idea to arrive 30 minutes early and leave half an hour late on your first day or two to get a sense of how many others in your group do the same. Also note whether your coworkers or manager are fielding calls from home, as well as the preferred communication style at work. Do your boss and fellow employees generally prefer e-mail, voice mails or face-to-face conversations? Consider the dress code: Are people in suits or is it a business-casual environment? When and how long do people go to lunch? Pay attention to unwritten company rules and adopt them as your own.

Clarify expectations. It’s important to be on the same page as your manager from the start, so within the first couple of days, meet with him or her to discuss your responsibilities and how your position fits into the grand scheme of things. You might ask the following questions: What are the immediate priorities and issues that need to be addressed? How often and in what form should I provide you with project updates? How will my performance be evaluated? You may also want to request feedback three or four weeks into the position to make sure you’re on the right track.

Get to know the team. While your boss will likely take you through the office to meet everyone on your first day, your introduction should go beyond, “Hi, I’m Sally, the new database administrator.” Take the initiative to speak to colleagues for a longer period of time, whether it’s over a coffee break, a lunch or a more formal one-on-one meeting. Your goal is to learn specifics about the other person’s role, how his or her responsibilities impact your own, and how the two of you can most effectively work together.

Keep an open mind. Try to avoid phrases that begin with, “At my last job …” Every organization has a unique culture that defines how staff members interact, dress, conduct meetings and request approvals, to name a few. Your ability to understand and adapt to the customs that drive your new employer will have a large bearing on how you’re perceived on the job. Keeping an open mind rather than rebelling against a new system – however unreasonable you may perceive it to be – shows you’re willing to be part of the new team.

Have a game plan. Think like an executive by developing a strategy to guide your first 30, 60 or 90 days on the job. Not only will you remain on the right path, but your plan also serves as a useful tool for your first review.  Include goals you hope to accomplish and steps you must take to reach them. 

The tips above will help make you a success in your first month, but keep in mind that it’s important to strike a balance: You want to exude confidence but don’t want to seem like a know-it-all who won’t adapt to a new environment. And, while first impressions count, so does enthusiasm – by displaying an upbeat, dedicated attitude, your boss and coworkers will be thrilled you’re part of the team.

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.