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How to get off to a good start in your first job

There are many new things you have to know, understand and adjust to when you are new to a job. How do you get on well with your colleagues? What can you use your boss for? How do you decode the unofficial framework in the workplace? Get 3 good tips from the career advisor and much more right here.

First job

How to make sure you get off to a good start

When you’ve just started your new job, it may seem a little overwhelming. New systems, procedures, the alarm clock and canteen meals.

There’s also new colleagues, and they are important for how well you thrive in your job. What can you do to make sure you get a good and safe start in your new working life?

Video: First week at your new job

Ways to connect with your new colleagues

Having good social relationships at work is one of the most important factors for your well-being at work.

Remember that most of your colleagues already know each other and are used to being around each other. They may not always remember that you’re new at the office.

Prioritise talking with them at lunch or at the coffee machine, and ask them for their advice on an assignment. Or simply ask them what they are working on. Small talk is a great way to connect with your colleagues and it does not require much to keep a conversation going.

Social relationships at work are not only nice to have. They form the basis for good collaboration and are crucial for the company to develop in a positive direction. Good relationships with people in different places of the organisation will often give you more professional opportunities.

Your social and personal competences are much more important for your job than you’d probably expected.

3 pieces of advice from IDAs career counsellors

Three pieces of advice from IDA's career counsellors •Your career – your responsibility. If something doesn't work for you, you can't expect others to guess what's wrong •Try to establish a trusting relationship with your boss, so that you can talk to the person about what's going well and what can be improved •Don't worry. You've just started your career and it’s likely you won’t really find your way for 5-7 years.

Pay attention – are you enjoying work?

As a student, you’ve been used to planning and controlling most of your everyday life. Suddenly having to be at the office at specific times can be quite a change.

Pay attention to how this is affecting you. How are you feeling as your new life kicks in? Are you drained of energy or full of energy after being with your colleagues? How are you handling the change in your personal freedom and flexibility? Can you work from home some days and do you need to work from home? Or would you rather be at the office all the time?

If you are aware of your needs, it’ll be easier for you to ask your manager for help.

Balance expectations with your manager

Balancing expectations is the key to doing well in a job. So, already during the first few days in your job, make a habit of talking to your boss about what you are being measured on and the expectations for your development.

Regularly discuss the priority of your tasks, what you do well and where you can benefit from more practice. It’s a good idea to look at your tasks and your priorities, so that you know for certain that you’re working on what your boss finds important as well. Try to make sure you discuss this at your first or second meeting with your boss.