Ten Easy Steps to Overcome Early Challenges in a New Job

TL;DR: This article is a guide with valuable tips for those who have recently transitioned to a new job. Recognizing that they are confronting new personal challenges, new positions, and new work environments is the first step. These tips aim to prepare you for what you may encounter and assist you in finding ways to catch up. 

A new job is an exciting step in your professional journey, but it can also be a source of stress and insecurity. The unknown brings uncertainty, which can be intimidating at first. However, as you gradually find your footing in your new role, these emotions are likely to subside. 

As a People Care Specialist, it’s part of my job to guide new collaborators through their onboarding and make sure that they feel comfortable and welcome. However, adapting to a new role also depends on each person having the flexibility to adjust to the new structure and being open to accepting any advice that turns out to be beneficial. 

So, what can you do? Let’s explore ten easy tips for you to integrate well and quickly into your new job. 

1. Try to Create a Positive First Impression 

The first impression is always significant. On your first day, arrive early and be polite and courteous; good manners have a significant impact — and this also applies to remote roles! Showing up on time for your meetings is always a good start.  

Be true to your values, display a positive and proactive attitude, and you’ll be swiftly accepted by your new coworkers as part of the team.  

2. Prioritize Communication 

Ensure that you have access to all communication systems, like the company email account, messaging platform, and HR tools. At Nearsure, for instance, we usually send a very thorough checklist with everything you need to be completely set up and connected.  

Don’t be shy, and request any information or documents related to company communication that could guide you.  

On your first day, introduce yourself to the members of your immediate team. Nurturing bonds will help you gain support and establish connections. If you work remotely, say hi to your new team using the messaging service adopted by your company. Don’t forget to add your picture! 

Always remain communicative, present, and available. 

3. Ask Everything you Need 

If you find the right answers, you will end up becoming very familiar with the company, the work organization, and the people who constitute it in no time. 

When seeking new information from your leaders and colleagues, it’s important to identify the appropriate moments to ask questions. Consider what you want to know. 

During the initial days, you’ll receive an information overload, so taking notes would be a good idea to avoid having to repeat the same questions.  

4. Understand the Company’s Dynamics 

Your task is to internalize the company’s culture. A new job may involve a new pace, new systems, new schedules, new rules and policies, and even new roles. Apart from the organizational structure, departments, boundaries, and responsibilities, each company has its own unspoken rules. Observe and learn from your colleagues, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to truly grasp them. 

An important aspect to inquire about is work hours. Nowadays, most companies, like Nearsure, offer flexible working hours. Employees have the option to set their own within a defined range, allowing them to tailor their schedules to better suit their personal needs or circumstances. So, don’t wait until there’s an emergency or you leave your child stranded at school before discussing this matter!  

Flexibility also applies to location, and remote work has proven to be a game-changer. Many companies are opting for hybrid approaches, combining the benefits of working remotely with the opportunity to see and work face-to-face with your team at any chosen time. Understanding what the company dynamics are when it comes to working remotely is also key. 

Related read: Working in PJs: Why Remote Work Is Here to Stay for the Better 

5. Seek Feedback 

Maintaining open communication about how you’re carrying out tasks is highly important so that you can understand the direction to pursue and identify areas that require correction or a different approach. It’s the most efficient way to address issues early on. 

Feedback is your most powerful tool. You shouldn’t wait for annual reviews or for your supervisor to organize a meeting to update you on your performance. Keep in mind that you can actively request it whenever possible from superiors and even colleagues.  

An ideal time to ask for feedback is just after you complete your first month at the company. Discussing your initial experiences and performance within the organization will help you set a clear path for the next few months. Additionally, being familiar with the expectations for your role in the short and long run will come in handy to excel at performing your duties.  

Don’t hesitate to ask again if something isn’t clear, and appreciate any feedback you receive, even if you disagree. It’s crucial not to become defensive in the face of criticism, remembering that you are in a learning process in this new role. 

6. Commit to Continuous Learning 

Dedicate yourself to ongoing education. Training is key to advancing in your new job. It’s crucial to pinpoint where you need to improve or reinforce your skills and knowledge. Try to establish which skills and experiences you should add to your existing ones, and then consult with your manager and HR department about possible training opportunities. 

Always involve your superiors, as they are aware of the resources available within the company that can help you, and they can provide support for external courses if needed.  

Related read: Boosting Your Devs’ Growth: The Software Developer Career Path 

7. Clear up Timelines and Deliverables with your Superiors to Prevent Feeling Overwhelmed 

Arrange tasks and their deadlines to prioritize what you should learn first. It’s essential to review task priorities with your managers and determine which of them have approaching or high-priority deadlines. Once these are set, you can decide which skills you need to focus on acquiring first and which ones you can leave for later. 

Another approach to getting organized and saving time is grouping activities by type, in batches, or assigning a specific day and schedule for each kind of activity. 

8. Seek Support from Colleagues in Similar Roles 

Receiving help from those who are familiar with the tasks can be invaluable. Embrace the potential of teamwork and its benefits. 

By simply being in proximity to your new team and closely observing how everyone operates and cooperates, you will gather valuable insights from the group. 

It’s essential to work in close collaboration with your colleagues to achieve your objectives.  

9. Socialize

Participate in social events both within and beyond the company. Having even one or two friends at the workplace can greatly enhance any professional setting, cultivating a stronger sense of belonging and camaraderie among your peers. 

If your new job is completely remote, take advantage of all available opportunities to make video calls with team members. Don’t forget to connect with them on LinkedIn. 

We spend a significant amount of time at work; building positive relationships with the people around you is invaluable! 

10. Embrace Patience! 

Adapting takes time. In the beginning, you could find yourself flooded with new information and tasks, often lacking substantial training or guidance. The pressure can be significant, especially in the face of the unfamiliar, potentially leading to feeling overwhelmed. 

Be patient and allow yourself to grow at your own pace without unnecessary stress that could harm your well-being. A new job entails a new challenge; facing it without haste will be your goal. 

Bonus Tip: You Are Not Alone  

Embarking on a new job journey can be both exciting and challenging, but it’s essential to remember that you are not alone in this endeavor. From the moment you step into your new workplace, you join a team of individuals who have walked a similar path and are there to support you along the way. 

Embrace the opportunities for growth, seek medical guidance when needed, and remember that the shared experiences of your colleagues will be your greatest asset. Welcome to this new chapter of your career! 

For more tips, tutorials, and insights about a developer’s life, keep reading Nearsure’s blog!