Have you ever thought you were knocking a new job out of the park, only to learn your employer disagreed? Or thought you weren’t doing so great, but your employer thought your performance was fantastic?  

Our focus as talent recruiters is to align the goals of our candidates and clients through transparent communication. To ensure effective onboarding and long-term success for employers and new hires alike, we must ensure everyone is on the same page.  

For those of you who landed your dream job, first and foremost, CONGRATS! Here are a few tips to help you make good impressions and find ongoing success – not only on day one but well into your new position.   

Focus on communication and learning  

When you start a new job, it is important to focus on learning. There is always a learning curve in any new work environment and company culture. Starting on your first day, try to take everything in without giving input until you learn more about the dynamic of the team. This is the time to make first impressions, meet your team members, and begin to build relationships. It is also time to set the tone for how your new colleagues perceive you. It is a good idea to show up a little bit early and not be the first person to head for the door at the end of the day.   

Align your goals with those of your supervisor and company   

Be proactive! As a new employee, regularly work with your direct supervisor to see where you should focus your energies. Each Friday during your first month on the job, take the opportunity to ask for feedback and ensure you are in alignment with the role and expectations. After the first month, you may also want to create a monthly or quarterly calendar reminder for yourself to continue to affirm priorities with your supervisor and ask for feedback. This will help you when annual reviews come up. Over time, particularly if you receive constructive criticism, remember to focus on ways to improve, affirm your efforts are working, and ensure working relationships remain strong.  

Deepen your knowledge   

Know the big picture! Listen to podcasts during your commute to and from work and read books and articles specific to your industry to stay up to date. Whether in a leadership role or not, reading books on leadership and self-improvement is always beneficial.  

Here are some of my favorites:

“Engaged Leadership: Building a Culture to Overcome Employee Disengagement” by Clint Swindall

“Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Bibin

“Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life” by Jim Kwik

“Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek  

Improve routines and processes  

As time goes on, shift your focus toward improving upon the foundation of how you work and set up good habits and routines. Think about ways to better manage your time, work smarter, and become more efficient. As you make strides, you want to stand out rather than invite burnout! There are good, solid methodologies to guide you in these efforts, such as Kaizen, 5S, and Six Sigma.   

Stay in touch with a recruiter  

It’s always wise to establish and maintain a relationship with a talent recruiter, whether you’re looking for the right job or even after landing your dream job. At Goodwin Recruiting, we are here to provide career advice and excellent new opportunities for professionals at every career stage. We guide you during your search, check in with you in your new role, and stay with you over the long term. Let us know when you need an advocate and career coach!  

Additional Resources

How to Succeed Quickly in a New Role

10 Ways to Be Sensationally Successful at Your New Job