Now that the new year is in full swing, it’s time to focus on the other new things in your life in 2025. First and foremost, let’s focus on your new job.
“I consider myself really lucky to have found a job in December and to start the second week of the year, says Lloyd Brown, a 28-year-old accountant who lives just outside of Pittsburgh. “And there is something almost poetic about beginning a new year with a new job. I feel like I can let the momentum guide me and get things off to a great start.”
Brown’s momentum may serve him well, but it’s not something he should focus on initially, says career adviser Sharon Levine. “Starting any job requires a plan but starting a new job at the beginning of a new year might require a little extra attention because everyone around you, meaning the existing employees, maybe changing some of their old patterns to increase their productivity or to impress their bosses so you may be entering a new job in a department that’s in a state of flux,” says Levine. “That’s a good thing. You can observe others around you and kind of take note of their behavior and react accordingly.”
While every workplace has its own unique culture, Levine offers some steps to help you navigate the transition smoothly and lay a foundation for success in the future.
- Arrive with purpose: On your first day, focus on arriving with a friendly attitude and a readiness to learn. Greet colleagues with a warm smile, introduce yourself with confidence and show genuine interest in meeting the people around you.
“Your early interactions set the tone. Something as simple as ‘I’m excited to be here and looking forward to working with everyone’ can make a lasting impression,” says Levine.
- Learn the landscape: Every workplace has its rhythm and culture. Watch how people interact – do they prefer quick chats or detailed emails? Observe team dynamics during meetings – are decisions collaborative or do leaders take control?
“Focus on learning the daily flow,” says Levine.
- Build connections: Fitting into a new team involves more than knowing your job responsibilities. It’s about building rapport with colleagues. Learn more about the people you’ll work with in your smaller team and how your work connects with theirs.
During breaks or casual moments, ask questions to get to know your coworkers. For instance, you might ask “How long have you been here?” These conversations don’t just break the ice; they show that you’re approachable and eager to be part of the team.
- Seek clarity: No one expects you to know everything immediately. In fact, asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your commitment to understanding your role. If a process or task is unclear, don’t hesitate to seek clarification.
- Contribute with confidence: Even as you’re learning, you have something valuable to offer. Share your ideas and skills where appropriate while remaining respectful of existing processes. For example, if you see a way to improve efficiency, you might say, “I noticed we’re doing this process manually – would it be helpful if I explored some tools to streamline it?”
Tribune News Service