How to make a positive impact in your new role

When you start a new job, you are usually eager to make a good impression and have a positive impact. Of course, this is a great attitude to have. By approaching things the right way you will put your best foot forward and start making a difference as soon as possible.

Day One
On the first day of your job, come as prepared as you were during the interview process. This means arriving on time, bringing a notebook and pen, dressing professionally and thinking through a few things before you arrive. If you know a little about what you will be working on, start forming ideas or refreshing your skills so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running. 
 
If asked, make sure to bring things, like your ID and bank information; that your employer will need to complete the onboarding process. Be ready to go through some induction materials and to receive training. Make sure to make notes – particularly if you will be working remotely for some of the time.

Most importantly makes sure to “read the room”, follow the induction process and go through the steps that your new employer wishes you to take – before you try completely re vamp the business!!
 
Be Teachable but Proactive
You may already be an expert in your field or you may be starting out in your career but have relevant experience. You may even have skills your trainer doesn’t have! However, you are still new to the job. This means that there are thing that you will need to learn. You therefore need to be teachable and come to work with an open mind and a willingness to learn new things.
 
Every company does things a little differently, so processes and procedures will be new to you. There is always something new to learn in every role, so be open to this and develop your skills. 
 
That being said, you also need to be proactive. During your first few weeks on the job, your manager will be looking for confirmation that they hired the right candidate. Prove that you are the best choice by proactively learning, asking questions and (where appropriate) taking on projects. Complete training, set goals, finish tasks and start accomplishing your position’s responsibilities as soon as possible.
 
While you may not be able to do this during the first week on the job, within the first few weeks or months you should aim to start producing in a way that has an impact on the company. Start taking on responsibilities, volunteering for tasks and assisting your colleagues. This will make an excellent impression and set you up for success with your new job.
 
Building relationships with your Team
If you work on a team, you will need to build relationships, get to know your teammates and find your place on the team. Be willing to learn how the team works together, the nuances of the personalities involved and try to begin to understand where everyone’s strengths lie. This can include accepting advice and help that is genuinely given but that you perhaps don’t really need. There is plenty of time to establish that you are  a superstar – initially it is more important to demonstrate that you are likeable, personable and a team player. 
 
Active participation in team meetings, accomplishing assignments and helping the group shows that you are a team player and will help you to fit in well. Ultimately this will help you to thrive in your new position. 

Problem Solve
Chances are that you were hired to help solve a problem! Maybe this problem isn’t a huge, it could be as simple as needing an expert in a certain area or needing additional people to service an uptick in work. 
 
Clearly, one of the best ways you can make an impact at your new job is to focus on solving the problem you were hired to help fix. Once you demonstrate your capability to do this – you can then begin thinking about wider ways in which you can assist the team. Approaching your job in this way will help you make an impact and ingratiate you to your team and managers. 

Conclusion
Starting a new job is invariable exciting and you will be keen to impress. By making sure to follow the induction process, build relationships with your team and focus on helping to solve the problem that you were hired to fix – you can ensure that you “hit the ground running” and lay the foundation for future success.