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Adapting to a New Role: Company Culture and Starting Smart

by Lindsey Self, CSP, on December 11, 2017
No matter how old you get, it is never easy being the new person.  Whether you're moving to a new city, starting a new school or church, or even starting a new job.  Beginnings can be scary!  My dad was in the Air Force when I was younger so we moved every 2 years.  So, every 2 years, I had to start a new school – sometimes even in the middle of the school year.  Even though I should have been used to this, it never got easier being the “new kid”.  I never knew how easy/hard my teacher was going to be or if my new classmates were going to be accepting to a newbie or not.  Unfortunately, there was not much preparation I could do before starting a new school that would help with my transition.  However, there are some things that can be done before starting a new job or new role that will help make being the new person easier.

The best way to adapt to a new job is to do your research on the company before the interview.  Luckily for us, it's not hard to find out everything we want to with the internet and social media being at a finger's reach.  You will learn a lot about a company and its culture by going to their website, Facebook page, or looking them up on sites, such as Glassdoor.com.   Usually companies include their mission statement and values on their website and they may even have short bios of their management team.  It's important if your future employer's values line up with yours and you may even see if you have something in common with your future colleague. 

The company's Facebook page is the best place to really get a good feel of the company culture and what your potential co-workers will be like.  Usually the company will have pictures from company get-togethers or community outreach events so you can see from the pictures how the employees engage with each other.  It's always a good sign if you see pictures of employees who look like they actually enjoy spending time with each other.  By going to sites like Glassdoor.com, you can read reviews from current or former employees and get an insider's view of what it's like to work for the company.  Although, you have to remember, sometimes disgruntled employees use platforms such as these as a way to get even.  

Even if you adequately research the company before the interview, you still may have questions of your expectations as a new employee.  Why not ask the interviewer?  After all, they do work for the company! Ask them what it's like to work there, what the culture's like, what their favorite or least favorite thing is about working for this company.  This will tell the interviewer you care about being a good fit and you may be surprised with their answers.

Once you have been offered a new position, make sure you know the basics of what to expect for your first day, such as the company's dress guidelines or parking information. Be sure to bring a notebook and pen with you so you will be prepared to take notes during any meetings, training sessions, or introductions.   It will also be important to find out who your support structures will be.  Get to know your team and management.  Find others in the same position or department you are in and ask them for advice or tips on how to be successful in your new role. Most people know there is going to be an adjustment period for any new employee, so don't be afraid to ask questions or admit that you may need more training with a certain procedure. 

If you are starting a new career you don't have experience in, you will need to even more research outside of business hours so you can have a clear understanding of all of the role's components and, of course, so you can rock your new position. For an example, if I have only worked in an office answering phones, but I just landed a sales role, it would be wise to look up articles and blogs in my free-time on the best sales tactics and tips, as well as information on the industry so I can understand what my customers want and value, etc. 

At the beginning, you are going to be spending most of your work days learning about the company, specific procedures or computer programs, so it is wise to use some of your spare time becoming more knowledgeable on how you can be the best salesperson you can be.  Once you are done with the basic training, then you will be able to shine in your new role!

If you're looking for a new position, be sure to check out all of the ones we have available in the Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach areas!
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Lindsey Self, CSP

Lindsey Self, CSP is the Senior HR Specialist and Hiring Expert in the Admin Department and the Process Improvement Leader for Landrum Staffing Services. She started with LandrumHR in 2012 as an HR Assistant and transitioned into the HR Specialist role a few months later. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Auburn University, where she met her husband of nearly two years. She is originally from McDonough, GA and has lived in Pensacola for 6 years.

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