It’s estimated that most people will average between 12 and 16 jobs in their lifetime.  Although we may have started a new role several times before, it can still bring up a flood of emotions.  You might be jumping from excitement to anxiousness as you prepare to start your new position. In your first few months, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the business, meet your managers expectations, and connect with your new colleagues. So, where should your focus lie when you begin in your new role?

Once you’re in – Connect!
Importantly, you should make effort to connect with your new team, the person you report to, as well as the people within the wider organisation. Relationships are not only important to your work success, productivity and collaboration, but will help build a sense of belonging for you at your new workplace.
If there are options to join a social club, employee reference groups, or a lunch time walking group, get involved. These are fantastic ways to connect with your new colleagues, as well as contribute to a positive culture within the business.

Learn about the business
Understanding the business allows you to act more strategically during decision making and whilst executing your projects.
Read your organisation’s annual report, follow their social media accounts, review policies and procedures, and know how you will embody the company’s values and code of conduct. If you have the opportunity, attend meetings in person, and listen more than you talk.
It can be overwhelming taking in so much new information when you start a new job, but do your best to understand what drives the company, how people communicate, and how you’ll contribute.

Understand who’s who.
Do your best to memorise your new org chart. It’s imperative to know how you fit into the big picture. Know who makes which decisions, how reporting structures work, and who you’ll potentially collaborate with outside your immediate team.

Know your customers.
We all have customers, whether we are servicing the wider community, have an external contract, or perhaps our customers are the people within our own business. Figure out who your customers are, understand how they operate, what they need to achieve, and how you can best support them.

Your elevator pitch
You’re going to be asked to introduce yourself, and what you’ve previously done for work several times a day when you first start a new job. To leave a positive imprint with people, let them know why you are passionate about your work, and why you’re excited to join the company.

Reaching out via email after you’ve met with people, let’s them know you’re committed and motivated.

Remember, you’ve got your new job because you’re great at what you do. Be a sponge in your first few months in your new role, and ask lots of questions. Take initiative, adopt a growth mindset and take on feedback. Good luck!