| It is estimated that we, as average Americans, have | | | | everyone else. This, ultimately, results in not |
| between eight and ten jobs in our lifetimes. While | | | | impressing others, and just depressing yourself. |
| many of these job changes may be for positive | | | | Ask Questions |
| matters - a more challenging career, better | | | | People like to talk... about themselves, about their |
| advancement, more lucrative pay - the fact remains | | | | kids, about the time they landed a merger between |
| that starting a new job can be one of the biggest | | | | two giant corporations. Showing interest in a |
| stresses in life. The reasons for this vary. For some | | | | coworker will make them interested in you: people |
| of us, learning the technicalities, the ins and outs, of a | | | | are often their own favorite subjects. If you're |
| new job may be the biggest burden. For others, | | | | having trouble mingling with others, simply pick |
| learning the way around the building - how to get to | | | | something out about them and ask questions. Point |
| the coffee pot and the restroom - may prove | | | | to a picture on their desk and ask if that's their |
| difficult. And, for some, simply learning where the | | | | spouse, ask them where they grew up or how it is |
| new office is located may be the biggest | | | | they landed a job at the company. And, if you're |
| inconvenience. | | | | having trouble with an aspect of your job, ask |
| However, for the majority of new jobbers, chances | | | | questions about it. People are often more than willing |
| are the greatest intimidation factor, the one that | | | | to share their knowledge; most people will jump at |
| causes the most anxiety, is simply meeting new | | | | the chance to convey their own intelligence. |
| people. Walking into a job where everyone seems to | | | | Be Professional |
| know each other - patting each other on the back | | | | Everyone is not professional at their job at one point |
| and asking about little Johnny's soccer game - can be | | | | or another. If you work somewhere long enough, a |
| overwhelming for the person who knows no one. It | | | | few flawed moments are sure to creep in. People |
| causes a fear resembling high school, as the | | | | show up late, or put their legs on top of the desk, |
| newcomer wonders who they will sit with at lunch. | | | | stretching out as they type a memo. People take |
| Though this may seem like an occasion drowning in | | | | too long making personal phone calls or spend an |
| discomfort, there are a few things that can be done | | | | hour in the bathroom talking about their coworker's |
| to make it as smooth a transition as possible. | | | | botched perm job. People take an extra long lunch, |
| Dress the Part | | | | sneaking back into the office when their boss isn't |
| It's hard to gauge what kind of clothes to wear on | | | | working, or take a ream of computer paper home |
| the first day of the job. While many offices are listed | | | | for their personal use. While everyone is guilty of |
| as "business casual," the term "casual" leaves a lot to | | | | being unprofessional at times, don't use these times |
| be interpreted. For some of us, casual may be | | | | at the beginning of your job. You see, we build to |
| wearing slacks and a button down shirt, for others it | | | | that. |
| may be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Still, for a few, | | | | Take People Up on Invitations |
| casual may simply mean wearing to work what was | | | | Jobs are often filled with the opportunities to be |
| worn to bed. | | | | social. From a happy hour to a lunch outing, from a |
| For a new job, it's best to err on the side of caution | | | | Tupperware party to a company softball game, |
| and prepare to be overdressed rather than | | | | behind every cubicle wall there is the ability to get to |
| underdressed. Wearing a suit while everyone else is | | | | know your coworkers. While you may hold onto the |
| wearing slacks and blouses will go over much better | | | | notion that you are at a job to work and not at a |
| than wearing jeans while everyone else is wearing a | | | | job to make friends, it's proven that those who |
| suit. | | | | enjoy their coworkers enjoy their job much more. |
| Don't One up People | | | | So, when coworkers invite you to after hour |
| There seems to be an unwritten rule laced within the | | | | get-togethers, take them up on it. You don't have to |
| insecurities of each person, a rule that tells us to "try | | | | show up to every outing, or be the life of the party, |
| to impress people" when we are nervous. While this | | | | donning the proverbial lamp shade on your head, but |
| may sometimes serve the intended purpose, more | | | | attend and get to know the people with whom you |
| often than not, it backfires. Take for instance this | | | | work. Show them that you are a team player both in |
| example: as a newcomer overhears an established | | | | the office and outside of it. |
| coworker say that they just had their first paper | | | | Starting a new job can be uncomfortable, but it's |
| published in a medical journal, the newcomer steps in | | | | something everyone goes through. Heeding the |
| to speak of their two articles previously published. | | | | above advice and just relaxing can make it easier. If |
| While the person who is new is just trying to 'look | | | | that doesn't work, keep this in mind: the person at |
| good" in front of coworkers, trying to impress them | | | | the company who has worked there the longest - |
| can come across more as arrogant, and a little | | | | the person who knows everyone, who remembers |
| desperate. To make matters worse, when the | | | | peoples' birthdays, who gives the toast at the |
| impressing is tagged onto a coworker's own boasting, | | | | company Christmas party - even they were once a |
| the newcomer looks like someone out to one-up | | | | new employee. |