8 Steps to Take Before Starting A New Job

Starting a new job is one of life’s most stressful events. Even it is an excellent opportunity, you are still encountering new coworkers, a new boss, a new environment, new routine, new lunch spots, and more. While it can be unnerving, there are some steps you can take to make it a little easier.  Here are steps that you can take before starting a new job.

Starting a new job?  Take the Dominate Your New New Masterclass on Udemy. This course will walk you through all the steps you need to take to be a success in your new role!

Look Your Best

You want to look your very best in the first few weeks of a new job. First impressions are important so you want to look professional and polished at all times. Additionally, the biggest benefit of dressing in your best is the increased confidence boost you will get when you need it the most. Starting a new job is scary and can unnerve almost anyone.  Looking your very best is a surefire way to put some pep in your step and channel your inner Beyonce. You don’t necessarily need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Invest in a few affordable wardrobe pieces, buy a nice pair of shoes, or even get a haircut.  Anything that you can do to look your best so you can feel your best.

Scope out your new coworkers

Research your new coworkers as much as you can (without being creepy).  Go on LinkedIn and learn about their career path. Do a quick Google search and see if they are affiliated with professional associations or non-profits.  The more context you have, the faster you can start making connections with your new peers. Tip: People can sometimes see when you view their LinkedIn profile. You can mention when you meet them that you were trying to research the company and learn more about them before you started. Most people would appreciate the eagerness to learn and find that flattering.

Research the company

Research everything you can about your new company.  There is a ton of information out there on most companies. Start by reviewing your new company’s website and social media accounts.  Pay close attention to the tone and language being used. Review what customers are saying about your new company so you start to get a sense of what your company’s strengths and opportunities are. LinkedIn is also a great source of information. You can check out fellow employees, job postings, and company statistics.

If your new company is publicly traded, there is likely a ton of information available. Before you start your new job, you will want to review your company’s annual report (also known as a 10-K). This required filing details not only key financial information but also includes other information to help you familiarize yourself with the company.  You can likely find the annual report on your company’s website in the investor relations section.  Don’t worry about the financial statements if you aren’t familiar (it can be pretty intimidating if you aren’t a CPA) but make sure to read the letter to shareholders from the CEO, which often highlights the company’s successes and key strategies.

Research the Industry

Just as it is important to research your company, you will want to research the industry.  Again, LinkedIn is a great place to start. Start by entering your industry in the search bar. From there you can look at content (articles) related to your industry as well as industry groups you can join.   Another great source of information is Google. Just search for your industry and review some of the news and top sites that populate.

Even if you aren’t starting a job in a new industry, take this opportunity to brush up your knowledge. Sometimes when you are starting a new job, it gives you a new perspective which can be helpful.  You should at the very least familiarize yourself with the new segment or market that you are entering. Dominate Your New Job Masterclass provides you with checklists for what you need to research for your company and industry!

Practice Your New Routine

The very last thing you want to be on your first day of starting a new job is late.  Before you first day, practice your new routine.  At the same time as you normally would get dressed,  drop the kids off at daycare, grab your morning coffee, drive to your new job, and find a parking space.   Make this practice run as realistic as possible so you can familiarize with the new routine and ensure you have enough time. Trust me, the little things help make your first day run smoother.

Bring a Pen

Don’t assume that they will be providing you with a pen and paper. Sounds crazy, but make sure that you come prepared with the basic essentials to start. Sometimes employers forget about this step when trying to get ready for a new employee. You want to start taking notes right away so have a pen and notebook (check out the best notebook in the world here). handy just in case.

Rise and Shine

The morning you start your new job, get up a tad earlier than normal. Perform some form of self-care such as meditation or yoga (or even a cup of coffee unrushed). Start your day with gratefulness for this new opportunity.  Believe that the day is going to be a complete success. Write down and say some positive affirmations that will help fuel you for the day ahead.  Listen to some uplifting music. Be your badass self!

Enjoy the Day

Have fun. What an exciting time in your life and you have the opportunity to get a new start. You will have the opportunity to meet new people and some will likely become your friends. This new job will provide you with opportunities to learn new things and expand your skills. These are all pretty awesome things.  Now, your day will likely not go perfect and that is okay.  Just keep focused on the positive and opportunities ahead of you.

What tips do you have for starting a new job?  What can you do before your first day to make it go smoother? Leave a comment below.

 

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