Mar 123 min read

How to Successfully Start Your New Corporate Job

Land in your new job with impact and confidence

Two women working at a shared desk, working at their new corporate jobs

Starting a new role can be overwhelming.

You might be wrestling with feelings of imposter syndrome.
You might be (unjustifiably) worried about 'what-if' and messing it up.
Perhaps you feel the need to prove they made the right choice
What do you prioritise? Whom do you speak with, and what do you cover?

Here, we unpack how to land well in your new corporate job. Let's dive in!

First Week - Easing In To Your New Job

I have good news.

It's very unlikely they will shove you in the deep end on your first day. It will be mostly getting you set up with your tech, health and safety orientation, and showing you where the canteen is.

Relax into the first day and focus on making a great first impression. Be yourself, be early, and set yourself up for success with your boss and colleagues by asking great questions which can reveal the what/why/how of working together.

These include things like:

What are their immediate priorities?
How do they see your role contributing to this?
How do they like to be contacted?

Observe how you feel about the place now that you've started. Is it what you expected? How do you feel?

Remember, you likely beat dozens if not hundreds of applicants to get this job. You smashed the interview, and now you're here. Take a moment to celebrate your achievement.

First Month - Gearing Up

Now is about engaging on projects, delivering value and deepening your relationships.

You're focused on building credibility and trust, by doing what you say you'll do. Identify some early wins and deliver on them.

At this time, it's also important to be available.

I know it's tempting to hide away behind a lap top screen when you start a new role, especially if you're introverted or working remotely, but try to show your face (whether virtually or in person) to build these crucial relationships. Perhaps set up some virtual chats or lunches, and find at least a few opportunities to go into the office in your first month.

"Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it." – Lou Holtz

Take note of how you're finding the tasks and assignments you're working on, what gives you energy and what you might not be enjoying, and what you're learning about yourself.

First 90 Days - Growing and Thriving

After 3 months in the role it's an appropriate time to notice what are emerging as core development needs.

There will be things you find challenging because it's new, vs key skills you feel you need to develop in order to deliver further in your role over the coming year. Work on identifying these with you manager, together with an action plan on how to address these gaps.

Part of this will be opening yourself up to feedback, which can be hard.

Now is also a time to ensure your contributions are being noticed.

Don't fall into the trap of wanting your good work to speak for itself. Keep an achievements tracker and bring these into your 121s with your boss. Make sure it has 3 columns:

The project
The actions you specifically took
The measurable outcomes of this (use stats and metrics where possible)

After all, you'll be doing a great job, so shout about it!

That's pretty much it. You don't need to overthink this. They hired you for YOU, so just be yourself and enjoy the new experience.

Fine, but I'm still nervous!

If you want more help with this, I've created a 3 Month Onboarding Plan which covers exactly what to do, with whom and when, so you can move into your new corporate job with calm and confidence. Think of it as your new-joiner cheat-sheet. Grab it today and banish the nerves for good.

You've got this.

Always on your side,