Starting a new job is exciting and scary. It’s exciting because it feels like a fresh start. It’s scary because it can bring back anxieties from starting a new school or trying something new. Will this new job work out? Who will you meet and will they like you? Will you fit in with the new office culture? All of these things may be running through your head as you start your new job. We have some tips, though, that will help you break the ice and lessen your fears of fitting in. Here’s what to do the next time you start your new job.
Start with Open-Ended Questions
You have your laptop. You have your phone. You even have a good old-fashioned paper for notes. Your outfit is picked out, too. But wait up. You’re missing something. What about preparing yourself mentally for meeting new people and starting things on the right foot? We’re suggesting that you come up with a few easy ice breaker questions to get your coworkers talking amongst themselves.
We don’t want you to sound scripted or fake. But exhibiting a healthy dose of curiosity about your coworkers is often the only icebreaker you need to start things off on the right track. You can ask things like:
- How long have you worked here?
- What do you like about your job?
- What did you do before this role?
Look around at your coworker’s office space. Do they have pictures of their kids? If you’re remote and on Zoom, what cues to the person crop up? A dog barking? Plants in the background. The goal at first is to ask more questions and listen than you do talk. This will endear you to your coworkers who are probably just as curious about you as you are them.
Act Like Someone Your Coworkers Would Want to Befriend
Treat the people you meet in your new job the same way you’d want to be treated. You can be funny, interesting, and ask smart questions and that will naturally attract people. Don’t be grumpy because the morning commute was terrible. Break the ice with some donuts. Ask yourself, “Would I want to be friends with me right now?” The answer should be yes if you want an easier time making friends in your next job.
Take the initiative by inviting your new friends out for a drink or lunch. Get involved in workplace committees or clubs. Be helpful. Offer to help other people on your team. Open the door and in turn, other people will do the same.
Contact Us Today
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you know the job just isn’t a good fit. That’s where ADD STAFF can help. We specialize in helping great employees like you find their professional homes. We know you have a lot of choices these days when it comes to working with a staffing agency. We’d like to show you how we can help you in your job search. Contact us today. We can help.
