Getting a new job is immensely exciting and satisfying. Working in your chosen field, collaborating with experienced professionals, enjoying a corporate environment, learning new skills and of course, getting paid for it, it is all great. However, joining in as the new member in a group, you have to learn your job duties, company culture and the people you will come in contact with. As a new comer, you want to belong, contribute effectively with work and ideas and make friendly connections for the long term.

Right from the start, try to focus on the following:

Understand the job

From your first day, your line manager will gradually introduce you to your duties and give you tasks to complete. Make sure to ask for clarification whenever you are not sure about some instruction or part of a task. This way you will know what is expected of you right from the beginning.

Seek Feedback

In the first few weeks it is a good idea to ask your line manager for feedback on your performance. Request a routine quick check-in with your supervisor if it is not already provided. Both you and your manager will be aware of your progress and any areas of development.

Learn Names

It seems overwhelming when you are getting introduced to a whole group of people. Start by remembering names of the persons directly around you. Make it a point to learn more as you go forward as this forms the basis of new connections in the organisation.

Observe

In all organisations, there are numerous mostly unwritten cultural norms. To learn about them, observe peoples’ personalities, interactions, formality levels, routines, dress codes, etc. Ask your new colleagues, it will be a good discussion point.

Join in the conversation

You will hear a lot of ongoing conversations on topics you have no clue about. Still be ready to join in, even if it is to ask for the context. Entering strong social groups is hard, but being pleasantly available would help you get included. Ability to do small talk helps too.

Take a break

It may feel awkward and even a little frightening to venture into the unstructured environment of the lunch room. Even if you bring lunch from home, push yourself to go eat it in the public area. You may make a new friend from another department.

Connect

You will have to send emails and make calls to persons not directly related to your area of work. Try to build a connection with them as well. If possible try to go over to their work area, introduce yourself and discuss the work issue in person. You will develop social and professional connections as a result.