8 Things To Get You Through the First Two Weeks of a New Job

You’ve heard it a million times: First impressions are important. It’s human nature to make assumptions about unfamiliar people. In other words, people tend to sleep a little easier when they’ve decided exactly what ‘type’ of person you are. But the first few weeks of a new job are about more than simply impressing your boss and colleagues. How you spend your days now will set the stage for the rest of your time at this company. Remember that each workplace has a unique culture that will take some getting used to. You may have mastered the game at your old position, but different rules apply at a new job.

If you’re going to survive the office life, it all starts now. We’ve come up with eight things that will help you make the most of this time:

Company resources: learn where they are and how to use them
In the long run, you’ll be able to do your job better if you know how to tap the resources at work. There are probably all kinds of office gadgets and systems in place to help you out. Learn where the fax machine is, make a couple of notes on how to use the phone, peruse the information on the company intranet, and track down any software you think you need. Remember that your list should also include people! If your company is large enough, there are probably a half dozen individuals who can make your new job easier. These can include people such as under-worked interns, receptionists, and the unofficial computer fix-it guy.

Get something to work towards, even if it’s small
A good supervisor will give you something to sink your teeth into immediately, even if it’s trivial. If he doesn’t, find out whether there’s a goal you can start working towards in addition to any other training. As long as you don’t come across as too much of a suck-up, he’ll respect your initiative.

Find a mentor
It’s good to have a person that can teach you all the things you won’t find in the employee handbook. She can also help by answering the questions that you wouldn’t want to waste your boss’s time with. Just don’t bug her too much…

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