Starting a new job as an entry-level employee can be terrifying.
You're surrounded by coworkers and managers who seem like they know everything. Meanwhile, you're still trying to figure out where the bathroom is!
Are you applying to entry-level jobs, or are you about to start one? If so, remember that no one expects you to be perfect. However, having the right mindset and staying confident can help you be prepared for anything they throw at you.
These strategies will help you learn how to be a confident rookie at your next job.
1. Be Ready to Learn
At a new job, you aren't expected to know everything from day one. Instead, embrace the unknown!
Ask questions — and make sure you really understand the answers. Try making a list of questions throughout your day, then spending 10 minutes before you leave getting them answered.
Approach every new task as a learning opportunity. If anything about your new role particularly interests you, research more about it at home!
Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something yet — have a go-to phrase ready, like "This is new to me. Can you explain it?"
2. Set Small Goals
There's a million things to learn as an entry-level employee. So break them down!
Try to avoid setting large goals at first. Figure out what small things you can accomplish in your first weeks and months. Maybe your week one goal can be to learn the names and roles of your team members. Your month one goal could be doing the same for your department.
Each step is a piece of the puzzle that will make you a great employee!
3. Take Mental Notes
As important as communicating is, take mental note of things during your first weeks as well. You shouldn't share them yet, but these can help you better understand your new environment. Try jotting down:
Assumptions you have about the company — are they proven right or wrong?
Goals you have for the future — what you personally want to accomplish.
Ideas for how you want to contribute — areas where you think you can make a difference.
These things may not all get shared in the future, but being aware of them can help you grow early on in your new role!
4. Try Not to Feel Overwhelmed
Don't get me wrong, it's always going to feel a bit overwhelming during your first few weeks at a new job. Managing that feeling is key to becoming a rockstar in your new role. Remember to stay CALM:
Center yourself — take a few deep breaths if you're feeling like everything is too much.
Ask for feedback— see if the people around you have tips and tricks for managing your work.
List priorities — organize your to-do's from most to least important.
Make time — don't feel the need to rush through everything at first!
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on UnsplashNow You!
Imagine Ruben and Michelle have both started as entry-level employees at PrimeTech Systems, a software company.
Photo by Raymond Owusu-Afriyie on UnsplashRuben is nervous to start working at PrimeTech Solutions, but on his first day, he's friendly to everyone. He introduces himself to his team members and asks them questions about their roles. In his first month, he makes a small mistake on a report. He apologizes, then asks his manager to walk him through how to do the report correctly.
Photo by Tamara Bellis on UnsplashMichelle isn't sure what to expect from her new job, so she tries to speak as little as possible. She says hi to her teammates every morning, but doesn't know much about what any of them do. When asked about her goals for the first three months at PrimeTech Solutions, she says she just wants to do well on everything.
Quiz
Who is the more confident employee at PrimeTech Solutions?
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Photo by The Jopwell Collection on UnsplashStarting a new job — especially your first job — doesn't have to be scary! Figure out how to be a confident employee as you get started:
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