Summer break is almost here but it's hardly a break at all. It’s time for summer jobs and summer internships. I remember preparing for my first internship, I couldn’t sleep the night before and I kept running the worst scenarios in my mind. Once I landed the internship, those jitters didn’t go away for a few months. The internship meant a lot to me, I mean I did end up working there for 6 yeas after that, so setting a good tone within the first few months was crucial.
I’ve had a few more experiences like that in my lifetime but luckily I’m way less freaked out. Here are some tips I’ve learned on how to excel in the first few months at a new job, make the best first impression and how to set yourself up for a prosperous career.
Be Prepared
If you want to make a great first impression, starting your job by bringing some new ideas is a good way to go. You were hired because your manager thought you could help improve the company—so do that. Coming in with ideas right away shows that you’re proactive, eager and innovative (even if the ideas don’t work out). Just one thing to be wary of—make sure you’re not forceful about the ideas, or come off like you’re trying to shake things up when it’s not your place. You don’t want to be the new girl who’s changing everything and making it her way.
Always Ask Questions
Kids ask a million questions and rightfully so. If you don’t know something, but want to know, just ask a question instead of assuming something (you know what they say about people who assume, they make an ass out of u and me, get it?). Starting asking questions during your job interview – it shows that you’ve done your research and are capable of critical thinking. Even if you think you know the answer, always aim to ask at least one question during your interview. Continue to ask questions once you’ve landed the job because it shows that you want to improve, you can handle feedback and that you’re trying to be the best that you can be.
Know Who You Want to Be
Every new school, new town or new job gives us the opportunity to start over. We get to decide who we want to be now and be it. before you get to your new job, figure out who you want to be. If you’re comfortable with the role you had in your last job, keep it up. But if you want to be more outgoing, or be known as the hardest worker on the team, or even if you want to be the laser-focused, no-time-for-chit-chat person, well now is your chance to do it. I’m not saying change who you are fundamentally—not at all. I’m just saying new environments give us the opportunity to explore new areas of ourselves and maybe learn something about who we’ve become since our last job.
Be Enthusiastic About Your New Job
Don’t you like to be around positive, happy people at work? Like-minded individuals automatically attract so demonstrating a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new things can really set you up for success. Showing enthusiasm for your new responsibilities and company demonstrates that you’re adaptable, driven, team-oriented and excited to be in your new role. Don’t be so excited that you end up getting other people’s work dumped on you, but a healthy eagerness for your job will make a great first impression on your boss and show that you’re excited to be in your industry. But be careful not to push your enthusiasm so far that you become the boss’ footstool because that’ll cause conflict between you and your workmates.
Become Friends with Coworkers Like Keeping it Professional
One of the biggest challenges in any job can often be interpersonal relationships. Each office has its own politics and culture, and adapting to these can be difficult. When you start a new job, make a visible effort to adopt the company culture and let your coworkers get to know you. It is possible to get personal without being unprofessional, and showing that you can adapt to the new office culture shows you’re flexible and eager to get involved.
