The Career Raven Weekly: Onboarding Success - How to Hit the Ground Running in Your New Job
Hello, Career Raven Coven!
Congratulations on landing the job. Now, it's time to start strong! Starting a new job can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can make a smooth transition, impress your new team, and set yourself up for long-term success.
Why Onboarding Success Matters
Onboarding is your chance to show your new employer that they made the right choice in hiring you. It's also the time when you establish relationships with your team, get to know company culture, and learn the ropes of your new role. A successful onboarding experience can set the tone for your entire tenure at the company.
How to Make the Most of Your Onboarding Experience
Here’s how to hit the ground running during your first few weeks:
Be Proactive in Learning
Ask questions early on. The sooner you understand how things work, the faster you can adapt.
Take notes during your training sessions and ask for clarification when necessary. Especially when it comes to their specific company jargon, sometimes not knowing that causes imposter syndrome and added stress.
Seek out resources like training manuals, internal documents, and past projects to get up to speed quickly.
Build Relationships with Your Team
Get to know your coworkers—both within your immediate team and in other departments.
Introduce yourself and set up one-on-one meetings with key colleagues. When I’ve done this, I’ve scheduled 15-minute “Coffee Chats” and would come with a few questions based on their individual roles and how we would interact.
Offer to help wherever you can, even with small tasks. It shows that you’re a team player and eager to contribute.
Understand the Company Culture
Pay attention to how people communicate and interact with each other. Are they more formal or casual?
Get a feel for the work environment. Is collaboration encouraged? Are there specific expectations for how work gets done?
Align yourself with the company's core values and make sure your actions reflect them.
Set Clear Expectations with Your Manager
Have a conversation with your manager about performance expectations. What are your goals for the first 90 days?
Ask about key priorities and deadlines, and set realistic goals for your initial months in the role.
Regularly check in with your manager to ensure you’re on the right track.
Take Time for Yourself
Starting a new job can be mentally and physically exhausting. Make sure to take time for self-care.
Set boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout. Don’t come working at 115% to prove a point, as that will not be sustainable.
Stay Organized
Keep track of important dates, tasks, and responsibilities. Having a clear sense of your schedule and priorities will help you stay focused and reduce stress.
Action Steps:
Reach out to key team members and schedule one-on-one meetings.
Create a personal onboarding plan to track what you need to learn and accomplish in the first few months.
Check in with your manager after a couple of weeks to ensure you’re meeting expectations.
This Week's Challenge:
This week, I challenge you to make a list of three relationships you want to build during your first month. Start reaching out and getting to know your coworkers. Set up a time to chat with each of them to understand their role and how you can collaborate effectively. For those who are still searching, your time will come. It is only a matter of time before you receive that offer and start your new journey too.
Need Help?
If you need guidance on how to handle your first 90 days or want help setting clear performance goals, I offer personalized coaching sessions. Let’s ensure you start your new role with confidence!
Coming Next Week:
Next week, we’ll explore Career Growth and Advancement. How to make a plan for moving up in your career and take control of your professional development.
Stay tuned and keep soaring!
With Empowerment and Strategy,
Jen DeLorenzo
Career Coach & Reverse Recruiter
