Landing a job is an exciting feeling. Interviews can be stressful and frankly, quite grueling. However, getting hired is not the end of the line–it’s just the beginning. Whether you were hired as a permanent full-time employee or you have accepted a temporary-to-permanent position, you will have to pass your 90-day probationary period in order to be accepted as a member of the team. Here are some tips to successfully navigate your first few weeks on the job.
Exude Professionalism at All Times
Your employer wants to make sure that you fit in with the team, so you must start building strong working relationships with your co-workers from the beginning. Be friendly and polite to everyone from the custodian to the CEO. Rest assured, your manager will ask the team their opinions of you, so be on your best professional behavior at all times.
Remember that people are watching you. Don’t get caught browsing social media during the day, and if you are invited to a gathering of co-workers in the evening, don’t get carried away. Use common sense and even if “everyone else” is engaging in unprofessional behavior, be sure to rise above it.
Ask Questions
As a new hire, you are not expected to know everything about company processes and procedures. If you don’t know how to do something, ask. Always write down the answer so you don’t have to ask a second time. Thoughtful questions show you are eager to learn, but if you ask the same questions time and time again, you won’t impress anyone. Don’t be afraid to ask your boss for feedback, either. This will demonstrate that you are eager to improve while giving you the tools you need to impress.
Make Punctuality a Priority
Showing up late will put you on the fast track to dismissal at the end of your probationary period. Even if your teammates have a habit of showing up 5 or 10 minutes late, make it your priority to show up early each morning. Similarly, do not be the first person to bolt for the door at the stroke of five. You don’t need to work into the wee hours, but try not to be the first person to leave.
Don’t Take Time Off
Unless you cleared a previously booked vacation with your employer before you accepted the offer, do not take time off in your first 90 days. This includes sick days. If you feel ill, do your best to gather yourself and show up to work on time. You can always ask permission to leave if you are too sick to continue. If you must call off, make sure to arrive at work the next day with a doctor’s note in hand.
If you are a professional seeking new opportunities in IT, accounting or finance in Western New York, the recruiters at Systems Personnel would love to hear from you. We can connect you with a position that will help you use your skills and allow you reach your career goals. Contact us today to get the conversation started.
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