How to Make a Good Start in a New Job

by Lou Belcher

A new job is a new start. It's an opportunity to put forward the image and qualities you want people to think of when they think of you. The best way to make a good start in a new job is to think through what the job means to you and how you can make the most of your new opportunity. There are several areas to consider and address when starting a new job. They are:

1. Punctuality. One of the most significant behaviors in employees who want to make a good start in a new job is to be on time. Punctuality doesn't just mean to show up to work at the magic hour. It also means to complete your work assignments in a timely manner and to arrive to meetings on time. It also means that when you are working with a team, you do your part so you don't slow the work of others on the team.

2. Listen. Another way to make a good start in a new job is to listen to your new supervisor, your co-workers and others in the new environment. You are the new person in the environment. Others know more about the job than you do. So in the beginning, your job is to listen and learn from others. If you start a job by overriding others or overstepping by giving directions when you are too new to be the one in authority, you will not make a good start in your new job.

3. Team. It's important when wanting to make a good start in a new job and throughout your career to demonstrate good team skills. When you start a new job, you need to determine from your training, who relies on your work. You need to work well with those people. It's also important when in meetings and when put together with others to work as a team to carry your load and to work with others as a team, with all the give and take that that entails.

4. Volunteer to help others when the occasion arises. When starting a new job it's important to learn the job first, then be ready to volunteer for job assignments and to help others when necessary.

5. Demonstrate good communication skills. When starting a new job, it's important to communicate respectfully with everyone on the job. As a new employee, you won't know who will love and who will hate your sense of humor. So, watch, listen and communicate with respect.

You will make a good start at your new job if you treat it as a step you are proud and grateful to take in your career path. Remember that the job is your livelihood and requires your complete business attention.