What To Do When You Are The Newbie At Work

Whether you are a job seeker excited to start your first job or switching to a new job, being the newcomer at work can be awkward and daunting.

Don’t worry, we got your back! Here are some useful tips to survive being the newbie in the office and stand out for the right reasons.

1. Confidence is key. Believe in yourself because your employer definitely believed in you enough to hire you! It is important, however, not to come off as being cocky to avoid putting off your colleagues. Play to your strengths and acknowledge areas you would need to improve on.

2. Be a keen learner. Even if you are highly qualified for the job compared to other employees, in terms of paper qualification or experience, you are still the newbie in the office. Adapting to the work culture and the procedures and practices around the office will take time. Seek clarification from your manager or seniors when in doubt and in a courteous manner - give them an opportunity to show you the ropes.

3. Find a mentor. Observing a senior at your workplace and how they manage clients and work assignments helps your career in the long-run. Get to know the people you work with and identify a person who aligns with your professional goals.

4. Avoid burning bridges with anyone. Let’s face it –you will not get along with everyone in the office. Always remain professional and stand your ground. You may never know when you will need their help in the future! At the end of the day, it is just work – surviving the new age workforce can be frustrating in itself, so try not to take your work too seriously – know your worth and deliver to the best of your abilities.

5. Listen more. Being the newbie at work, it is advisable not to jump the gun at your first few meetings. Sit back and get a better understanding of the bigger picture before sharing your opinion.

6. Document what you are currently working on or have done in the past. It is important to keep track of the projects, etc that you are currently working on and those in the past to evaluate your work progress. Keeping a clear record of tasks done comes in handy during your performance review to convince your employers that you are an asset to the company.

7. Do not over-promise. Avoid making promises if you are not certain of your abilities to deliver on those promises. Negotiating workable deadlines is crucial. In fact, delivering a task earlier than the stipulated deadline will impress your colleagues instead of not delivering as promised.

Above all, take one step at a time and it is okay to fall a few times before you find your footing at your new workplace!