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8 Steps to a Successful Start in a New Cleared Job

We often talk about how to find cleared jobs, search for cleared jobs, and so on. But what about after you land the job?

Setting the right foundation in your new position is critical to your success. If you haven’t switched jobs in a number of years the change can be daunting.

So what steps to success can you take when starting your new cleared job?

1. Dress the part. Ask your new boss or your recruiter what the office dress code is. Especially if you are transitioning military this can be confusing. Just what does “casual Friday” mean? Business casual? Ask. Or if in doubt, overdress.
2. Be on time. Map out your route ahead of time. Expect traffic delays. A plan to be on time is a plan to be late.
3. Be thankful. In the confusion and nerves of your new job remember to say thanks to people who help you, even if it’s pointing you to the bathroom. This is the time for you to build bridges. Politeness goes a long way.
4. Build your internal network. Say yes to lunch invitations. Meet with others in your department and in related areas to learn more. You need to build relationships within the organization. It will help you accomplish your goals and make you more effective in the long run.
5. Embrace the moment. If you are psyched about your new job let others know about it. Sometimes in the name of being “professional” we forget to let our enthusiasm show. Others are drawn to enthusiasm, so if you feel it let others know.
6. Ask questions before making pronouncements. Listen to others. Don’t immediately try to recreate your old job in your new job, or instruct everyone on what they have been doing wrong. You’re new. You may have been hired to revamp the organization, but get the lay of the land first.
7. Pay attention in orientation. You’ll learn many things in orientation, including information to help you make decisions that are critical to your financial future. Pay attention so you make smart, informed decisions.
8. Make sure you and your boss are on the same page. Do you know what is expected of you in the first 3 months? 6 months? How will your boss know whether or not you are succeeding? How is success defined within your job? When is your first performance review? If you didn’t nail these things down in the interviewing process, do so now. Or if you did, reconfirm them.

The bottom line? Listen more than talk. You want to contribute and you will have the opportunity to do so…after you have more in-depth knowledge.