What to do first at your new job

After much deliberation, you have made the decision to resign, successfully passed the interview at your new company, and are now ready to start at your new workplace. At this point, both the company that hired you and you yourself are likely feeling anxious, wondering if things will work out.

Today, I will talk about what you should do and how you can resolve those anxieties and turn your new workplace into a place where you truly belong.

To make your new company feel glad that they hired you, it is not just about achieving results.

First and foremost, gaining the trust of those around you is the priority.
Results will follow after that.

Let's look at this following the flow of starting a new job.

<Preparation for your first day>

First, naturally, you need to confirm your workplace location and the route to get there.

Check your start time, see how crowded it is during that time, and make sure you can get there smoothly and with plenty of time to spare.

Shifts and flextime arrangements will likely be decided in meetings after you start.

Also, some companies have security systems that require an ID card. Check if you need to prepare anything in advance.

At the airport duty-free shop where I used to work, an ID card approved by customs and immigration was required for entry.

I also have an article about my memories of working at Kansai Airport. Please take a look if you like.

<First day at work>

First impressions are very important.

Choose attire that matches the company's atmosphere and ensure your grooming is clean and professional.

Some people bring a box of sweets, but it is perfectly fine if you don't.

And once you step into the company, make an effort to greet everyone you meet with a smile, regardless of their department.
Even if you were introduced to the whole team in your department, I recommend going around to greet each person individually later when you have some free time.

Once you have finished your initial greetings, the first thing you need to do is learn everyone's faces and names.
Since you will meet many people at once, it is a good idea to create a seating chart and write down their names, titles, and responsibilities.

Learning them quickly and calling people by their names will increase your likability.

<The first week>

There is a lot to learn at the beginning.

This includes things like time management, how to use chat and email, where supplies are kept, company-specific rules, terminology and abbreviations, and the general workflow of the job.
You should read materials like manuals and also grasp the progress and background of ongoing projects.

What is important here is to simply accept everything with an open mind for now, even if it differs from the way you used to do things.

Also, look around and identify who holds the power in that department, who the 'boss character' is.
This may not always be the person with the official title, so observe carefully.

If you can get on good terms with this person, your work will become easier.

And when you don't understand something, don't pretend you do; instead, ask questions proactively.

As the proverb says, 'Asking is a moment's shame, not asking is a lifetime's shame,' so not knowing or understanding something is not shameful; ask away and clear up any confusion in the early stages.

And make sure to take notes so you don't have to ask the same thing twice.

<The first month>

This is the period when you start to find a rhythm in your work style and workflow.
It is also a time to gradually build trust.

Carry out tasks you are asked to do, even if it's just making copies, quickly, reliably, and carefully. Repeating such small things—in other words, accumulating small instances of trust—will lead to building great trust.

Once you understand your job duties, confirm the scope of your responsibilities with your supervisor.At the same time,
it is a good idea to confirm what is expected of you and to what extent.

Ensuring there is no gap in understanding here is also important to avoid 'wasted effort'.

To reassure your colleagues and supervisor who might be wondering if you are okay, make sure to report, communicate, and consult (Ho-Ren-So) frequently.

As you get used to things, you will be able to join the circle of others in the break room or during lunch.
You can hear off-the-record honest opinions there, so make the most of it to deepen your human relationships.

Also, you may start to feel like you want to be active quickly, but impatience is forbidden.
Taking on too much work can actually be a source of failure.

If you make a mistake, do not hide it; report it to a colleague or supervisor immediately.

Handling things steadily one by one is especially important during this period.

<Things you must not do>

As I wrote earlier, the thing you must be most careful about after changing jobs is saying, 'It was like this at my previous company,' and trying to force your old way of doing things while appearing to reject the current company's methods.

Even if it is the correct approach, doing it suddenly can make others feel as if their very existence is being denied, leading to strong resistance.

First, build trust, and then take a step-by-step approach to propose improvements and their benefits while respecting the positive aspects of the current methods.

Also, avoid speaking ill of your previous company or boss.
Those who hear it will think that they will be spoken about the same way in the future.

It is also safer to refrain from promoting your past successes more than necessary, as it will have the opposite effect.

<People to avoid>

○ Avoid getting involved with people or groups that only speak ill of others. As the saying goes, "He who touches pitch shall be defiled," you will be seen the same way and your reputation will suffer.

○ With gossip-loving types, there is a risk that things you don't agree with or only superficial information will be spread, so it is best to keep conversations to small talk.

○ People who tell you everything may seem kind and helpful, but since they might be wrong, it is best to confirm with your boss.

○ People who suddenly get close and ask about your private life are the type you should keep at a distance from the start.

○ There are people who are unusually strict with newcomers. Honestly, they are annoying, but since many of them are actually capable, keep your interactions with them polite and professional.

<Summary>

The most important thing is not to make enemies at first. Do not join any specific group, and just focus on being a good listener and observing.

Thank you for reading this far.
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I look forward to your continued support.

#LetsTalkAboutWork