49. How to Navigate a New Job - the first three months.

How to Navigate the First Few Months at a New Job.

I was inspired to write this post because a friend of mine started a new job and she said that she was nervous. 

Now this is a super experienced women with many years experience who is super smart going into a new job that she is well qualified for.

I thought if she is nervous and I know that I have been nervous when I have started new jobs then there also must be other people who are nervous as well! 

Embarking on a new job can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience.

Starting anew means:

•  navigating a new work environment,
•  embracing new responsibilities
•  building relationships with fresh colleagues.

Often it feels like your first day at school again, when you don’t know people well and you are trying to fit in.

Stepping into a new job can often come with a sense of excitement tinged with uncertainty. You may find yourself wondering about the company's culture, your role, and how to build meaningful relationships with your new coworkers. 

Sometimes you could think - have I made the right move!

Typically, most people find out as much as they can about the company, arrive punctually, aim to fit into the company culture, and gradually acquaint themselves with their responsibilities. 

But they don’t really have a plan.

To make your transition to a new workplace easy - I urge you to create a plan for yourself to make the most of being a newbie!

Create a Plan

Work through what you are going to focus in the next 30, 60 and 90 days but more importantly put these tasks in your diary. 

Here is an example of a plan:

Have a look at the plan above and work out what you would and wouldn’t like to include in your plan.

You can use this as a base.

Embrace Change as an Opportunity

There is no better time when you start somewhere new to ask all the hard questions.

A new job is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Rather than fearing change, view it as a chance to reinvent yourself and your career.

Have a think about your personal brand check out my post about personal branding build your personal leadership brand and how you want to show up at the new job. You can use this as a chance to reinvent yourself, or tweak some skills.

Assess and Update Your Skills

When you start a new job it is a good tine to evaluate your current skill set and identify areas where improvement or new skills are needed.

Continuous learning and skill development are crucial for career reinvention.

Get clear on the skills that you would like to develop at the new job. 

In 12 months time what core or leadership skills would you like to have developed further in your new role?

Networking and Building Relationships

When you start a new job - this is the best time to create relationships. Dedicate the first 4 - 6 weeks to meeting your colleagues, stakeholders and team. Also make sure that you set up regular catch-ups with key people. 

A good formula is asking people in your new role

•  How can I help you?
•  What are your key priorities?
•  How best can we work together.

Goal Setting

Utilising the plan above, define clear, attainable goals for your first few weeks.

Have a think about what does good look like after 30, 60 and 90 days? 

I checked in with my friend and how she went - I am waiting to hear back! I will let you know.

This Week’s Action Task

Whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1.  Lady Leadership with Sam McIntyre Podcast Transform your leadership, take control and grow your Career. Join Sam and her guests as she and others share how they have built outstanding careers across the globe and what they have done and tried to get there. 

2. Book a Career coaching conversation with me. From $129 you can discuss your career concerns and make a plan. Book a Coaching Call directly in my calendar. 

3. Download my Ultimate Career Checklist. Not sure what you should be doing next in your Career? Then check out this checklist.