HOW TO SHINE IN A NEW JOB IN FIRST FEW WEEKS

1. Catch The Culture

As you enter a new office, try and become an insider as soon as possible. The best way is to get into the company's culture and follow its nuances. Also try to understand the company policies, unwritten rules, etiquette, jargon and ways of handling tricky situations.

2. Take Note, Literally

When everything around you is new and you are supposed to learn new processes, the best way is to jot down whatever is being told. You are of course full of questions and you must seek the

answers and take notes. This is the best way to tackle the information overload. So whenever you are in doubt later, instead of bugging someone, just refer to the diary.

3. Know The Geography

You need to know the office essentials as you join in -- like where is coffee; where is the mop if you spill coffee; where do you get printouts; whom to call if your system isn't working and where do the bosses sit. Get the logistics in place.

4. Your Views, Their Views

It's a new place and people will have their own ways of doing things. This means they will also have views very different from yours. Don't be judgmental. Embrace the diversity in views and you will assimilate faster.

5. Follow The Boss

Your supervisor is your guide and friend in the initial days of the new office since he/she is the person who probably hired you. So, build that trust. Catch up with him/her every day. Chat, ask for suggestions and keep the boss updated. Soon, you will feel confident to be on your own.

6. It's A New Day!

Few see it this way but a new office gives you the chance to start afresh. After you left the old job, you left behind the impression you had among your former colleagues and all the politics you dealt with. There is no baggage now. It's like a new life and you can tread a new path.

7. Honeymoon Won't Last Long

The honeymoon period won't last long. Soon your work will be monitored and you will have to carry out the responsibilities you have been hired for. But aim for more. Find out how the office measures success and who the star employees are. There is no harm in emulating and learning. Chart out a growth path.

8. Know Where You Have To Go

As you learn the tasks and understand the expectations, you should take some time in the first weekend to take stock of where you stand. Set up specific goals for the coming months even if you haven't got a target sheet from your supervisor. Break down the goals into monthly chunks and work backwards to find out where you want to be at the end of the month.

9. Be A Trainee

You may have come a senior position, but be a trainee for a while. Talk less and listen more. Observe, listen and absorb. Don't be too spontaneous. Listen to learn faster. Talking too much at this juncture may put off those who can teach you. However, you also should not look like wallpaper. You must speak up and contribute where you can. Silence can be seen as a sign of aloofness.

10. Aim To Be Popular

The first few weeks in critical in getting to know the people you are working with. So walk around and meet people. Introduce yourself. Socialise. Make new friends. Go beyond your team. Participate in office actisvities and events.