What a great question! Securing a new job is akin to a successful product launch. All the time spent running a well-organized marketing campaign and now the product is in the market … You have landed your new job!
As in the product launch, you would want to continually work on product positioning and posturing for its on-going success, right? Likewise you want to do so for your success.
How you begin has everything to do with how (and where) you end up. How do you insure you will get off on the right foot? Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Get to know the company and key players. Producing long-term results is more important than an immediate impact. Depending on the company and the reason for your hire you will have a settling-in period anywhere from 30-90 days. Use that time for wisely.
2. Remember names and try to use them from time to time - always with a smile. Sounds trite, I know, but how many times were you introduced to others and immediately forgot names. Look them straight in the eye and ask “I’m sorry, could you tell me your name again? and then practice using once or twice a week –it’s flattering too.
3. Do not over-do conversation. Your weekend, evening, lunch, family visit... was always “Very good” quickly followed by “and how was yours?” People ask, but are not necessarily interested in more than that. If they get more than that before they really know you they will steer away the next time.
4. Observe how the company gets things done: The company’s management style, your boss’ management style; leadership; company culture… Become a student of your managers and their leaders. I once read, “the best classroom is at the feet of an elder", so ... The bell has rung; take a seat and pay attention.
5. Be a class act. Don’t get drawn into the chitter-chatter of gossipers. Smile, project a positive attitude, nod in agreement if you must, but do not gossip. If you do people will not put their trust in you. Practice being a good listening and consider everything you hear as if it were most private, even if it plainly is gossip. Bite your tongue and you will not go wrong.
6. Gain the confidence of others. Give credit to others up and down the line. Be humble when credit is given to you and say only “thank you”. For the first few weeks defer to others for advice; defer to your boss’ lead. After you have gained the confidence of your boss and that of others, maybe 30-60 days, you can start making recommendations.
7. Keep your boss informed. This too is part of gaining his or her confidence. It is important also make a point of asking a couple of questions from time to time. Be careful nonetheless not to phrase your questions in a manner that sounds like you are (prematurely) criticizing people or procedure.
8. Show your boss you are serious. State your intentions within the boundaries of the job as it is currently described (save “posturing” for after the first 90 days): On day-one, arrange a series of short meetings to ensure that you are both on the same page, that your actions support both your objectives and his or hers.
9. Start planning for your "Review" on Day-one. Do not wait until after your “settling in” period. If a review has not already been scheduled , when you are arranging your series of short meetings (#8) also schedule your review for after the first 90 days; but begin planning for it from Day-one: Keep a diary of what you see and what it is you feel can be improved, changed, accomplished, etc... and NEVER share this with co-workers.
10. Keep your resume updated. Also starting with Day-one, be mindful of any and all your accomplishments, even the most subtle: Situations you were in; opportunities you saw; actions you took; and results ... SOAR! Plus, in doing so, you will be preparing for your first Review, as you should, just like an interview. You will be forearmed with the information you will need to take an active part in the Review process and outcome, and since most employers take a passive approach to Reviews, this will be most appreciated.
Hope this helps!
Rob Taub
http://www.resumeproplus.com/
Very often, your cover letter will be the first thing that a recruiter looks at when he sits down to do that all-important first sift. It is your first opportunity to leave a lasting and favorable impression and as such it should work every bit as hard as your resume, if not more so, to convince him that you are the best match for the job. Remember, the employer is looking for a really outstanding candidate and if your cover letter is in any way sub-standard or does nothing to tempt him into reading your resume, then he will not waste any further time on your application.
ReplyDeleteRight-on ICT!
ReplyDeleteNegotiation starts at first encounter, and in this case you are negotiating (you have you hand in on) how you will be pre-sold.
This image you create at the outset will set-down as the foundation upon which all other info will rest and consequently be influenced.
Thanks for your comment!
YT,
Rob