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By Tristan Campbell | Surviving the Challenges of Your New Position |
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By Emily Sabo Congratulations! You've landed a new job that's a perfect fit for you. However, as with any new beginning there's also bound to be a host of new challenges-some of which may be even trickier to navigate because they involve the unwritten rules of your new position and company. Erin White tackles these issues in "Culture Shock: Learning Customs of a New Office" by reporting on the past experiences of others who've found their way out of a potential minefield of unexpressed expectations.
White outlines some common speed bumps that new employees have encountered while trying to adapt to what might possibly be a different and novel workplace. She notes one concern that will usually have ramifications on the entire office environment: "tolerance for questioning the boss. Some companies encourage it, believing that confrontation can generate sharp, creative thinking. Other companies consider disagreement inappropriate and disrespectful." Your new boss will often help dictate your environment. His or her behavior will serve as a guideline for what is appropriate behavior in your new office. It is perfectly normal to feel nervous about entering into this new environment. It's a bit like you are an explorer venturing out into new territory. A safe step that many counselors recommend is 'mirroring.' There is no need to be a parrot, but it is always best, at first, to ease your way into the new role. After a few months, when you are no longer 'the new guy,' it will be a great time to let the more unique aspects of personality shine through.
White suggests that you also use "the grace period" of your first few months as a great time to ask all your questions that might arise-and to be unafraid to ask those questions. Don't be too nervous; there's a good reason you were hired for the job and before long you should have adapted well to your new professional home. |
| Temp of the Month, Margaret LeBlanc! |
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The months after graduating from college are always stressful. Trying to figure out what my life was going to be like now that I was a college graduate was extremely overwhelming. I left the Boston-area right after graduation and moved back home; however after the holiday season I made the decision to move back to Boston. This was a last minute decision and I was afraid that I would be living jobless for many months; however I quickly found a temp job through another staffing agency that a friend had recommended. While at the job, I realized that I had not been fully informed of the position and did not feel that I had any support system backing me up. Within two weeks of starting that job I was on the job hunt again. I did some research on the internet and was impressed with what I read about Laufer and Associates. I submitted my resume online and within twenty-four hours I had been contacted by Kate Farren. I met with Kate by the end of the same week and the meeting went great. I was very impressed with Kate and her enthusiasm in helping me find a job that would not only pay my bills, but would be something I would actually enjoy doing (unlike my previous job). I left the meeting with great advice and an excitement about starting what I thought would be a long process finding a job. To my surprise, by the beginning of the next week Kate called me with a great opportunity. Before starting any new job, I am always nervous, but Kate gave me all the information that I needed so that I was at ease when I began working the next day. She called me after the first day just to make sure that everything had gone well, and that I was happy with my assignment.
I have had a tremendous experience working at the company Kate introduced me to. Not only has everyone at the company College been outstanding, but Laufer has been wonderful. They have always been in contact with me, making sure that I am satisfied and that I have not had any problems. While I was sick with the Flu, I contacted Kate and she called the company to let them know that I would be out. I have not once felt that I was not informed fully of the position, nor have I ever felt that someone was taking advantage of me. I was skeptical about taking a Temp job at first, and after my first experience I was very hesitant, however Laufer put all my fears to rest. When my current Temp position ends, I would happily work with Laufer again to find a new position. |
By Margaret LeBlanc| Our experience has taught us that great candidates often know other great candidates so be sure to inquire about our referal bonus program!
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| Emily Sabo Laufer and Associates 617.367.2800 |
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