8 Steps to Getting On-Track When You Start a New Job

Starting a new job can feel like moving to a new country. Your language skills may be modest. You have little knowledge of the laws, let alone the customs and traditions of the society you are entering. All you have is a passport and the goodwill of management as you enter unfamiliar borders.

1. Get to know your colleagues. Ask questions and listen to their answers. Get a sense of what is said and what is unsaid. You don't need answers to all of your questions at once. Take your time.

2. Have lunch with different people in the department every day. Learn about the corporate culture and who the leaders are and the unofficial leaders are.

3. Get to know some of the key people in your organization and what matters to them.

4. Get connected with your boss' objectives and how you fit in to them. What are his/her challenges and how can you help meet them.

5. PLAN. Plan your time and plan how to meet your objectives. Create a schedule that allows you to stay connected with your personal life and your career objectives.

6. Complete a project within your first 60 ? 90 days. Keep your boss up-to-date on what you are doing and, if uncertain about something, ask for advice.

7. On the days that you are unsure of yourself, remember the days that you were most successful. Everyone has bad days. It doesn't mean that you are a failure or that you made a wrong choice to join the firm. Get yourself back on track.

8. Enjoy your successes. Celebrate the victories.

Joining a new firm may initially feel like moving to a new country but with time and effort on your part, you, too, can achieve the success that so many immigrants have.

Jeff Altman has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is also co-founder of Your Next Job, a networking group focused on assisting technology professionals with their job search, a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist. For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you're looking for a new position, include your resume).

---

Writing Resumes That Attract Your Perfect Job

Let me introduce you to Ben. He made it happenBen... Read More

TMI: The Resume Destroyer

"They say my résumé should be only one page long.... Read More

You Are Not Entitled to a Job!

Résumé TipsSome basics about job hunting...First of all, nobody owes... Read More

The 10 Biggest Career Change Mistakes - And How to Avoid Them

Career change is no walk in the park.If it was... Read More

Making The Best Of Yourself At Interview

You are just about to leave university You are just... Read More

Avoiding 10 Deadly Interview Mistakes

Too many job seekers set themselves up for failure before... Read More

Yes, Ive Had Gaps In My Employment History--What To Do About It?

Yes, I've Had Gaps In My Employment History--What Can I... Read More

How to Get Hired by Being Obvious

If you want a drink of water, do you hire... Read More

Working Abroad - Employment Advice In Spain

Jobs and employment on the Costa BlancaThe Council of Europe... Read More

What Do Accountants And Doctors Have In Common?

Freshly qualified accounting graduates when asked by the interviewer "Are... Read More

5 Characteristics of a Dynamic Loan Processor

Not everyone is cut out to be a mortgage processor.... Read More

The Fallibility of Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing has become rampant across industries, more so in... Read More

Lets Talk About Trust

I agree with Brooker T. Washington, "Few things help an... Read More

Ten Things To Do When You Really, Really Hate Your Job

1. Begin focusing on what you want instead of how... Read More

What Your Guidance Counselor, Career Counselor, and Own Mother Probably Never Told You...

The alarm clock jars you awake at some insanely... Read More

Are You Living Your Career Dreams?

Inherent within the human spirit is a desire for fulfillment,... Read More

What is Absolutely the Best Day to go on a Job Interview?

First of all, to fully understand and appreciate the answer,... Read More

How to Transform a Boring Note Into A Killer Cover Letter - Part I

The AIDA formula is as old as dirt. It was... Read More

Dont Be Defeated - Be Empowered

Taking a job out of fear and desperation will never... Read More

How to Close Your Interview and Leave a Lasting Positive Impression

Closing the InterviewKnowing how to successfully close an interview can... Read More

Resume 101

Whether you've been downsized, are looking for a career change... Read More

How to Walk Away from an Opportunity thats Wrong for You

Q. I just finished a job interview. Everything went well.... Read More

Integrity At Work - How Do You Show Up?

As the business sections of today's papers and magazines read... Read More

The Art of Selling Yourself!

To "sell" oneself on paper is not easy. Creating a... Read More

Resume Software ? The Hidden Pitfalls

Disadvantages of Resume SoftwareFormat A large majority of software requires... Read More