Starting a new job can be intimidating. But, playing a role in your own onboarding can help you make a smooth transition.

1. Starting a new job can be intimidating. Leaving a familiar role
and co-workers is not an easy thing to do. You have to adapt
to new responsibilities, develop new relationships, and
assimilate into a culture that is foreign to you. Despite all of
these things, joining an organization and assuming a new
role is exciting, with challenges and opportunities awaiting
you that will expand your knowledge and strengthen your
skills.
While your new employer may have a formal onboarding
program that will support your transition, there are important
things that you can and should do on your own. These things
aren't "rocket science" but they will certainly help you get
acclimated to your new role and company much sooner than
if you didn't do them.
1. Jumpstart the onboarding process
yourself.
You don't necessarily have to wait until your first day to begin
your role. You can be proactive and contact the organization
prior to your first day to get any paperwork that could be
completed in advance. You can also ask your direct report if
they'd like for you to come in and discuss projects that you
will immediately be working on, or for any information (or
even meetings that you can attend) to support you in hitting
the ground running on your first day. This can significantly
ease any anxiety you may be experiencing.
2. Learn and assimilate yourself into the
organization's culture.
The most important thing you can do during your first week,
month, and quarter is to assimilate into the organization’s
culture and environment. Accomplish this by observing other
employees, their behaviors, and communication patterns.
3. Be positive.
Exude confidence and a positive attitude. Showing
enthusiasm will make a great impression on your co-workers
and may even bring a new energy to the organization.
4. Listen and learn, and be open to
feedback.
It’s best to an observer until you learn the ropes. Doing so
will show respect, patience, and in an indirect way, your
emotional intelligence. We encourage selected candidates
to learn as much about their new employer as they can and
as quickly as they can. We recommend that they keep their
minds open to suggestions from colleagues who have long
tenure with the organization because those people can
provide invaluable insight and knowledge, which can get you
up and running more quickly. By combining that
understanding with your own skills and experiences, you can
add value in a shorter time span.
If you're in a management role, consider having and
publicizing that you have an open door policy. It is one of the
best management styles there is.
Executive Search Viewpoint:
Start a New Job on the Right Foot
& Play a Role in Your Onboarding
Sami L. Barry

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Start a New Job on the Right Foot & Play a Role in Your Onboarding
5. Demonstrate your willingness to learn,
but stick to your initial responsibilities.
Remember that you are new. It's okay to show your
willingness to learn about the organization beyond your job
and responsibilities, but it's more important to apply the
skills and knowledge that got you the job. While you may
have the capabilities and talent to do more, it’s best to wait
until you thoroughly understand the company’s procedures
and operations before bringing up different and improved
ways of doing things.
On another note, although it's great to volunteer for extra
responsibilities, in most organizations, it's better to stick to
your job description during your first few months so you
don't step on anyone’s toes. However, if you are asked to do
something outside of your realm of responsibilities, take it
as an opportunity to show that you are a team player and
happily perform the task.
6. Remain open to constructive criticism.
Accept the potential for you to make mistakes or to not do
things as well as your incumbent did. Being open to
constructive criticism is vital for integrating into the
organizational culture, showing your emotional intelligence,
and demonstrating a team player mindset. You want to
perform well, and by remaining open to constructive
criticism, you will only improve and enhance your own
value. You also want others to feel comfortable in
expressing their thoughts as that will help you connect with
them.
7. Build relationships.
Tying in with our last point, connecting with your new team
is imperative. Even if you don't have an outgoing
personality, do your best to get to know your colleagues,
join them during lunches and team outings, and if you're in
an office, keep your door open.
8. Seek out a mentor.
If your new employer hasn't planned or pointed out your
mentor, ask your direct report about who that should be.
Don't just choose someone on your own because that could
be risky.
9. Create your own 30/60/90 day goals in
addition to those of your employer.
If you've joined a larger organization, it's likely they have
established 30/60/90 days goals for your role. If so, discuss
them with your direct report to make sure there is clarity and
you understand them. With those goals in mind, establish
your own objectives for achieving success early on and for
thriving within the company and your team.
10. Keep your private life just that -
private.
While you will eventually make friends within your new
company, it's best to keep your personal life and opinions
private until you get to know others better. And, even when
you do feel comfortable, it’s better to keep most personal
things personal.
These recommendations, though relatively simple, can make
a big impact on your transition into a new role and
organization. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by
merely contemplating a career move, consider these
suggestions and know that you have a hand in making a
change a whole lot easier on yourself.
Helbling & Associates is a retained executive search firm specializing exclusively in architecture,
construction, real estate development, and facilities management.
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