You’ve Got The Job – Now The Hard Work Begins
Securing that next job and step up on the career ladder is always a great feeling. You have successfully marketed you and got invited for interview or an assessment day. You’ve successfully made it through the gruelling process and got an offer.
You’ve decided to accept the offer and breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Then reality sets in. Yes you have convinced those involved in the recruitment and selection process that you are the ideal candidate. On the other hand there is going to be a whole host of people waiting for your arrival (which might include people who applied but were unsuccessful) and are both curious and apprehensive about it.
There are plenty of articles written about CV writing and job interviews. Yet in many ways there is an equally big challenge in successfully integrating successfully into an existing organisation or team.
So what’s my tips in making that transition as smooth as possible?
Expect Self Doubt
Chances are in your last organisation you knew the culture, people, expectations and how things worked. When you step into the new role you can feel completely inadequate. You go from knowing a lot to seemingly knowing nothing.
Don’t get phased by this. Just see it as a natural part of the transition.
Be Curious
Of course you want to know about the job, the systems, the norms etc. You also want to build relationships and get to know people as individuals. Take the time to do this.
Mind Your Language
When you go into an organisation fresh you will probably see plenty of things that you know could be done better or differently. What’s important is to make sure that you choose your words wisely when providing suggestions or sharing your thoughts.
Language like I wonder if you have ever thought about doing it this way are going to be much better received than saying when I worked at ABC company we did it this way and it worked so much better.
Form Your Own Opinions
People will be more than willing to point out those that are good at their job, are helpful and those that you should avoid.
Take all this with a pinch of salt and form your own opinions.
Don’t Make Change For The Sake Of It
If you come into a role as a manager or leader then you will be keen to make an impact. At the same time you don’t want to be making change for the sake of it.
Take the time to identify what changes are going to have an impact and are important.
Don’t Expect It To Be Easy
It never is. In my experience it can take at least 3 months and in some cases up to 6 months to feel really comfortable in the new environment.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants build brilliant careers. Learn more here.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.