5 Things You Need to Learn The First Week On The Job

The first week at your new job can be fun, exciting and super busy. Between learning the rules of the break room and the meaning of “other duties as assigned”, it can be a little overwhelming. Here are a few tips to get you going in the right direction as a newbie!

1. Expectations:

Starting a new job can be exciting, so exciting that sometimes we forget to ask what we are supposed to be doing. The first week at your new job are an ideal time to sit down with your boss and ask what his/her expectations are. Knowing from the start what is needed can save you tons of time in the long run.

2. Your neighbors:

You’re the new kid on the block and many times we can get the idea that people should come to you with warm greetings. The reality is that when you’re the new person on job, its best that you make the first move when it comes to meeting your new coworkers. Take a few minutes each day to chat with one person in your department. Who knows, you might even make a new friend.

3. The Organizational Chart.

You don’t want to be the person who is chatting it up with the CEO and doesn’t even realize it. Head over to HR and grab a copy of your company’s organizational chart to stay in the loop for the first week at your new job.

4. Policies and Procedures.

P&P can be a bit stale, but the more you know about company the better. Grab those P&Ps along with a fresh cup of coffee and get to work. How else would you know that tipping is not a part of your travel per diem?

5. Company Culture.

Casual Friday, weekly breakfast meetings, the annual charity run, all of these things are a part of a company’s culture. Take some time during the first week at your new job to check underneath the hood of your new employer’s business.