6 Things You Should Do Within the First Month of a New Job

A new job is exciting and filled with possibility.

New colleagues, new boss, new team, the potential for growth and progress, and maybe even better pay or benefits if you’re lucky.

However, a new job also brings a lot of stress. Like the first day of school, you’re the new kid. Unlike the first day of school, everyone has been there for some time now. Like yesterday.

But you want to put your best foot forward, not only to impress your new boss and make good with your colleagues but to set yourself up for success in general, so you need to work through the stress and discomfort of a new environment to make the most of things.

Starting a new job can be nerve-racking , but it's also exciting. You're embarking on a new future, positioning yourself to write a fresh story on a clean slate.

– Adena Friedman

And to do that, there are certain things you should do within the first month of a new job.

Here are six things that people do to set themselves up for success within the first month of a new job.

1. They’re careful with how they communicate and aren’t afraid of asking questions

When you’re starting a new job, you have to ask questions. That’s just the nature of the beast. You might know your craft but you don’t know how the office or working environment operates, who does what, and other details.

But you have to be careful not to ask too many questions and end up annoying your new coworkers or make them think you don’t know what you’re doing. Take your time and let yourself learn as the days go on.

2. They look to make their boss’s life easier

Whether you’re replacing someone or you’re taking a brand new position due to expansion, you need to come in with the perspective of making your boss, manager, colleagues, and lives of anyone you work with easier if you can manage it.

Don’t overextend yourself, though. Start with your higher up and look to help them do their job easier so they look better with their boss.

If you can manage to do that with any of your colleagues that’s great too and will make you appear as more of a leader in the office over time.

3. They get clarity about what’s expected of them

Make it a point to carve out time with your higher up from the get-go to have them clearly define with is expected of you.

When expectations aren’t clearly defined, all kinds of problems can arise. You can get in trouble for things that easily could have been avoided and, in the case of a deceptive or manipulative boss or manager, you can be taken advantage of.

But it also helps you do your work. When you know what is expected of you, you’re able to accurately plan out your week and stay ahead of schedule.

4. They socialize with all of their colleagues

Within the first week or two of getting into a new job, it’s important to start socializing and getting yourself out there. Even if you don’t directly work with someone in a department, it can’t hurt to introduce yourself if you cross them in a common room or similar situation.

By starting off strong with the other people in your working environment, it will help you make friends and start cultivating stronger relationships with your colleagues and teammates faster.

5. They track their progress

In the beginning, energy is high and each day is an adventure. However, over time you get used to your job and progress can stagnate.

To keep this from happening, make it a habit to track your progress from the beginning by taking a few minutes at the end of each week to review what you accomplished. Be sure you’re moving forward in whatever you’re working on each week, be it a project, workplace relationships, or an office quota.

6. They find a mentor or friend to guide them

Chances are, there’s someone in the company who went through exactly what you went through and is willing to offer some pointers. Possibly even someone to become a friend who helps guide you through the beginning of your stay with the company and whom you can find comradery in moving forward.

Don’t go putting yourself out there so readily but do keep on the lookout for someone (or someones) who is especially willing to help in your early days.