Habits of Successful New Hires

Regardless of your line of work, or the level and position you are entering, it is crucial that you start off on the right foot and set yourself apart from other new hires. Try you best not to fit in with those “just trying to learn their job” or that are “still figuring things out.” If possible you want to set yourself apart from those just going around performing the “status quo”, that is the quickest and easiest way to gain recognition. It’s also important to avoid trying to do the bare minimum of what’s required of you. This new time and beginning stage at the company will be your chance to build the impression you want people to know you for and remember you by. A small percentage of new hires get this right but if you fall within that category you're sure to succeed.

Dress to Impress

Always be dressed for the job you have and be presentable. Even in a hybrid or work from home environment managers will look to see who made an effort to look presentable and came prepared to work. In today’s setting, that expands to background scenery and virtual backgrounds too. Otherwise always try your best to look and dress cleanly when heading into the office. It never hurts to look and dress for the job you want not the job you have.

Look for Feedback

Be eager to actively listen to feedback and hear what others’ opinions of you are. There will always be things you can learn and improve, no matter what your role or position is. Positively receiving and actively looking for feedback can be the best way to grow within your role, the organization, and show people you are committed to doing a good job. Feedback and constructive criticism (both positive and negative) can sometimes be uncomfortable but they allow you to more quickly adapt and succeed in your role.

Don’t Be Idle

You don’t always have to wait for your manager to task you with work. If you have a light schedule or can help someone on your team out that’s struggling, feel free to do so. Helping others is a great way to expand within your role and build solid work relationships. The question, “How can I help you” goes a long way with management and peers. Leadership isn’t about being able to tell people what to do. It is much more about the initiative you take, and the support you provide those you work with.

Outside the Box Thinking

Be the person who identifies new opportunities for the company. Innovation is a key core value to any organization and undoubtedly something that managers actively look for. The current workplace has certainly evolved over the years given changes like hybrid environments and more remote working, however what hasn’t changed is outside the box thinking. Those who approach problems from a different viewpoint and with a different mindset are much more likely to get noticed than those who don’t. Never be afraid to speak up and share your ideas!

Be Cautious

A quote Maya Angelou quote, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Challenge yourself to make sure you aren’t stepping on the toes of others and taking away from those around you. People don’t tend to like the feeling of being shortchanged on recognition and others creeping into their territory. This will help keep the peace and allow you and all your co-workers to flourish together, in harmony.