Get Off on the Right Foot - 6 Tips for Starting a New Job

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As someone in the healthcare field, you might take advantage of the new job opportunities available. Consider these employment facts for February 2016:

• Hospitals added 11,000 jobs
• Ambulatory health services jobs increased by 24,000
• Healthcare and social assistance led all other industries in jobs created

Job changes always carry certain risks. From my time as a recruiter (both for internal and agency candidates), I noticed that when people took certain steps, they increased their odds of a successful job change.

1. Get Clear Expectations - When I was a recruiter, I advised every single candidate to get a clear understanding of what the hiring organization expected from a new hire in the first 90 days and how that company defined someone who was successful in the position. If you did not address expectations in the interview, do it before you accept an offer. Reject any job offer that is not a good fit.
2. Leave the Word “You” Behind - When I recruited for internal positions, I noticed that new hires, particularly those people who left a job they had been with for many years, kept referring to how “you people do things.” Sometimes people thought it was okay to reference the environment at their last employer (hint: It wasn’t). Immerse yourself. You are part of a new team now, so avoid thinking about yourself as apart from everyone else.
3. Pay Attention to Subtleties - Culture seems like a mere buzzword in articles about workplaces, yet different organizations have different cultures. Employees at one hospital might socialize a lot after-hours. At another hospital, everyone goes home to his or her family at the end of the shift. Pay attention to social cues and adjust accordingly.
4. Gradually Suggest Changes - This recommendation is a combination of numbers 2 and 3. It is likely after years in a particular field, you have practical suggestions to improve patient care. Keep in mind that many people resist/hate change. Build credibility, and then, if you feel strongly that your recommendation is beneficial, craft a persuasive argument.
5. Think Before Emailing - I personally witnessed many people get into trouble because of emails. People sometimes view emails as a casual chat rather than professional written documentation. When you are new to a job, people do not know you or your sense of humor. Make sure your emails are on point to avoid any misunderstandings.
6. Be Patient - It is not uncommon for hospitals and practices to be short staffed. When you go into a new job, the setting might not be very organized. Make sure your expectations are reasonable.

Success Requires a Plan

Starting a new job is nerve-wracking for even the most adventurous, extroverted people. The 6 aforementioned tips help you reduce the risk of failure. Get clear answers about expectations before you start a job. Navigate a new work environment carefully so you are not tripped up by workplace politics. Remember the goal is to have a satisfying career.

Sources

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/2016-02-16/new-internship-or-career-ace-the-first-few-weeks