How to make an impact in your new job

How to make an impact in your new job

Starting a new job? Ernie Richardson explains how you can hit the ground running

Starting a new job is always a challenge. You have to get used to a new set of relationships, find your way around a new office and learn a whole array of new tasks.

Just to add to the pressure, you’ll probably be eager to make a strong impression on your new colleagues. You’ll want them to think you know what you’re doing, to trust your judgment and, if you’re the boss, respect you from the get go.

So here are five things to help you settle into a new role.

1) Take your time

We know how it is. You’re starting a new role and want to have an instant impact. It’s tempting to rush in and make changes, to offer your strong opinions right from the start.

But the experts at Just Recruitment Group Ltd advise taking your time before ringing the changes.

“Get to know the systems already in place,” says the company’s founder and director Jenny Wrightson. “Things are usually done a certain way for a very good reason, and you won’t make any friends by criticising them without fully understanding that hinterland.

“Over time, you’ll certainly be in a position to suggest improvements and to make your presence felt. But for the first month or so, just watch, learn and ponder. There’s plenty of time to influence how things are done once you’re settled into your new role.”

"One sure-fire way of building rapport with your new colleagues is to seek their advice."  

2) Build relationships

It can be hard to build trust with a new team, so you need to work on establishing strong relationships with colleagues.

Take time to get to know them, ask them about themselves and show an interest in their lives. That will help you establish a rapport, meaning they’re more likely to trust your judgment.

A box of doughnuts in the staff kitchen can go a long way to helping you build good relationships with new colleagues. But don’t go overboard. If you seem too eager, you may find it alienates people who think you’re too keen to impress.

3) Ask advice

One sure-fire way of building rapport with your new colleagues is to seek their advice, says Mrs Wrightson.

“Everyone likes to feel as if their opinions matter, as if they have expertise to share. Make a point of asking colleagues for their advice and opinions, even if it’s only in response to simple questions that will help you settle in. If people feel like you value their advice, they’re more likely to let you in. And that’s when you can start working effectively together.”

How to make an impact in your new job4) Steady the ship

Whether you’re the first person to hold your new role, or you’ve taken over from someone else, it’s likely there will be a bit of an unsettled atmosphere among colleagues.

Any change in personnel wrongfoots people in the workplace – people get used to things being a certain way, and a new face takes some getting used to. For that reason, it’s worth reassuring people and taking time to find out about the history of your role. If there are wounds that need healing, you’ll need to tread carefully.

Equally, if people see your appointment as an opportunity for a bright new dawn, you’ll need to manage expectations.

5) Remember that little things make a big difference

What you wear, how you set up your office, the sincerity with which you speak to colleagues: when you start a new job, everything is scrutinised by those around you.

While it’s important not to overthink how you come across, it’s worth being mindful that people will make judgments on the basis of the initial impression you create.

“It’s back to the bringing doughnuts idea,” concludes Jenny Wrightson. “Turn up with a box of treats, a warm smile and an openness to the people around you and you’ll find it much easier to settle in.

“But the main advice is to be yourself. People spot insincerity a mile away. Show them what they’re getting from the outset and you should enjoy a smooth entry into your new working environment.”

 

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Published: 15 February 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

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Production Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk.
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: 913140
About the role

Just Temps is actively seeking to join a company based on the outskirts of Sudbury, Suffolk.

Working hours:

  • Monday to Friday.
  • 22.00 to 06.00.

Duties will include:

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Having your own transport is essential due to the location of the company and the hours involved.

General warehouse experience is required and training will be provided.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
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About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, long-standing manufacturing business within the Sudbury area - actively seeking a full-time, permanent Environmental, Health, and Safety Officer to join its team.

The key purpose of this role is to work with the site teams to provide expert advice, promote involvement and drive improvements to site safety culture and performance in compliance with all EHS, business conduct policies, guidelines, and the local site Life-Saving Rules at all times.

Key duties include:

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  • Develop site-specific EHS systems and EHS procedures meeting the requirements of U.K. legislation in line with the site's needs and organisational structure. Assess written and practised compliance against agreed standards via gap analysis, process confirmation and audit.
  • Be the on-site appointed person to advise on requirements for the shipment of dangerous goods and produce DGN’s as required.
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  • Responsible for producing, implementing, and maintaining site inductions for contractors and new employees.
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Qualifications and experience:

  • IOSHH trained in Managing Safely.
  • Holder of NEBOSH General Certificate.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in Health and Safety in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in internal auditing and managing ISO14001 and ISO45001 standards is essential.
  • ADR, IATA, and IMDG trained, preferable, but not essential as training will be provided.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
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This is an excellent opportunity, to lead the EHS function of the site. The role offers a competitive salary with great benefits as well as a stable, long-standing and friendly team environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £10.50 per hour
Location: Stanford-le-Hope, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: 1113015
About the role

Just Temps is seeking Warehouse Operatives to join a company based in Stanford-le-Hope.

Working hours:

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No experience is necessary for this role. Teamwork is paramount for this role.

This company really cares about its workforce and offers lots of opportunities to progress.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Salary: £25,000 - £27,000 per annum
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Role: Full Time
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Just Recruitment is recruiting for a permanent Marketing CRM Executive & Sales Support role within a company located near Haverhill.

You will be responsible for supporting the Marketing Manager by setting up online marketing campaigns, focusing on social media, maintaining and updating the CRM system, supporting the Sales Team with CRM, merchandise sourcing, despatch, shows and customer visits.

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Essential requirements:

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Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm.

Due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more