Get the jump on new job jitters - Viewpoint - careers advice blog Viewpoint careers advice blog

Get the jump on new job jitters - Viewpoint - careers advice blog No matter how confident you are in your own abilities or how much professional experience you have, starting a new job is always going to be nerve-wracking. A new job means a new challenge, and it also means change. Change is rarely comfortable at first, so if you’re having second thoughts after only a few days, keep a few of these things in mind: You’re hired You were hired for a reason, which is that your new employer believes in you. The chances are that you came through a lengthy selection process and beat a number of other candidates before being selected as the successful one.   You were hired for a reason, which is that your new employer believes in you Being singled out in this way ups the ante on you to prove your employer right, but rather than feeling daunted at the prospect, remember you already have their vote of confidence â€" so you have every reason to believe that you’re up to the job. Your boss wants you to succeed The person who employed you has a vested interest in your success because it proves he or she was right to hire you in the first place. See your new boss as an ally who wants you to do well. New starters that I’m responsible for often start off being quite nervous â€" not realising that I’m just as anxious as they are! In hiring someone who proves to be valuable to the business, my ability to spot talent is justified. As a result, I try to be as supportive and helpful as possible when welcoming new team members. See your new boss as an ally who wants you to do well. The path to growth is through change Remembering a time when I had to deal with a big change in my circumstances always helps to prevent nerves getting the better of me. Starting a new job is one of those life-changing events, so drawing on previous positive experiences is a great way to remember just how resilient you can be when you have to be.   It’s also worth reminding yourself why you left your old job in the first place. Jotting down a few instances when you coped effectively with change in the past, and reminding yourself of the approaches that you used can help reinforce how much you are capable of. It’s also worth reminding yourself why you left your old job in the first place. You opted for change when you chose to further your career and realise your potential, so don’t look back now. Have a plan, and be patient Focusing in on goals and having a long-term strategy helps you to see the bigger picture. Map out where you want to get to and how you intend on getting there. Be as detailed as possible. Not only will this give you a greater sense of control over your future, but you’ll also get some perspective on the temporary nature of those initial job jitters. Focusing on goals helps you to see the bigger picture. Expect to experience some anxiety as you get used to your new role and take on new responsibilities, but by staying focused, keeping a positive outlook and being productive, you’ll grow into the job and you’ll soon feel much happier. Reach out It can be tempting to go into your shell when you start a new job, but try not to isolate yourself. Don’t be afraid to seek help.  You may not be the naturally outgoing type but communicating with managers and new colleagues is important. Don’t be afraid to seek help, even if it’s only to ask where the nearest gym or good place to have lunch is. The sooner you get to know the people you work with and how things are done in the workplace, the more relaxed you’ll feel in your new job. A final thought Just remember that everyone has a first day at the office. New job jitters are totally natural, as change is often uncomfortable. During this preliminary period give it your best shot by staying positive and working hard. If it still doesn’t feel right after six months only then should you arrange a meeting with your manager â€" who will hopefully be able to provide some advice on how best to proceed. Starting a new job soon? Read our tips and advice to ensure you get off to a strong start.   A simple guide to writing the perfect resume/CV How to impress a recruiter with your resume/CV How to optimise your LinkedIn profile How to make full use of technology during your job search Common cover letter mistakes How to market yourself in your job search Focus your interview on fit Stop making these common job search mistakes Make your interviewer love you Share this blog: //