If your heart starts fluttering a little faster when you hear the words “new job,” you may be in the early stages of an exciting career change. It might not be time to quit your job just yet, but you should start taking the steps necessary to get started in a new role.
Whether it’s a new company, position or industry, the first few weeks, months and even years in a new job can be daunting. You’ll need to learn the ropes, master new skills and connect with your coworkers, and all while avoiding rookie mistakes that could tarnish your reputation.
As a hiring manager or HR professional, you’ll want to make the transition process as smooth as possible for your new hire. That means helping them feel welcome and set clear expectations throughout the onboarding process. This will help them be successful in their role and boost employee retention.
In addition, it will make your company look good for attracting talented candidates.
The goal of writing a job description is to provide candidates with a concise, but accurate overview of the role and its responsibilities. A job description that’s too long and full of redundancy will confuse and frustrate candidates. To avoid this, review the job description for repeat words and responsibilities and try to simplify it as much as possible.
For example, use action verbs to describe what the role does, and provide examples of what success looks like. If a position requires a specific technical skill, spell out the technology needed and, if it can be learned on the job, note that too. Also, if the candidate is likely to interact with people from other departments, be sure to note that as well.
It’s important to make a good first impression on the day you start your new job. To do this, make sure you dress appropriately for the environment. If your company has a casual dress code, wear something that fits that standard. You should also prepare for your commute by driving the morning of your first day or using a ride-sharing app. It’s also a good idea to bring a notebook and pen so you can take notes during your new coworkers’ introductions.
Once you’ve met your new colleagues, make an effort to get to know them outside of the office. For instance, you might ask if you can meet them for coffee or lunch after work or join them for an after-hours event. This is a great way to build relationships with your new coworkers and learn more about their backgrounds.
Finally, make sure you and your new manager sit down for a 90-day review at the end of your first month in the role. This will give you a chance to discuss the progress you’ve made in your new role and what goals you hope to achieve in the next three months and beyond. It’s also a chance for you and your manager to see how your work is aligned with the organization’s overall strategy.