Starting a new job is stressful and exciting. Simon Browne, Managing Director and Founder of Longreach Recruitment shares his tips for succeeding in a new role.
Beginning a brand new job is as exciting as it is stressful. You want to make sure you succeed and make a good impression by meeting your new bosses expectations.
But it can still take time to acclimatise to your new job's culture. No matter how much experience you have, your new company will still have its own way of doing things.
While succeeding at your new job does depend a lot on your performance, there are a lot of other ways to prove to your boss that you deserve this position.
With the help of Simon Browne, Managing Director and Founder of Longreach Recruitment, we've put together a guide for succeeding in your new role.
Before your first day
1. Research the company and staff
It's important to do your research in any industry but particularly real estate. Mr Browne advises anyone beginning a new role in the industry to find out who the key players are.
"Get to know the gun sales reps, who the lead property managers are, watch the office manager and see how they succeed in keeping the team on track.
"Also know where they are strong, why do they hold market share, go and see a few home opens or an auction to see the team in action before you start.
"Introduce yourself to the staff at the time so they will know you on your first day, this will help kickstart the relationship."
2. Research the role
Be well researched on your new role before you start.
"Find out what is relevant to you and arm yourself with as much information on the team or area your support, knowledge is king and will help you learn quickly and impress on the job."
The first day of a new job
1. Whatever you do, don't be late - but don't show up too early either.
"Make sure you arrive promptly for work, about five minutes before the agreed time. Don’t show up an hour early, as the managers may well be finalising your onboarding process and workstation, it’s just awkward," Mr Browne said.
2. Remember to take a deep breath. It's okay to be nervous.
"It’s your first day, you can’t learn everything straight away. Stay high level, gain an understanding of what you are there for, the main objectives and goals, then you can understand the detail in time."
3. Learn how to navigate and enjoy your new workplace.
"Personalise your space to be arranged how you like it, and don’t be afraid to have a photo of your family or dog. Be comfortable in your new space, you spend more time there than anywhere else!"
4. Be social
"Don’t be afraid to engage with the team, you will naturally gravitate towards the friendly office faces and enjoy your lunch break or a cup of coffee with them at the right time.
"Come back after lunch. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, new job, new people, possibly a big step up.
"Again, breathe – refresh yourself outside away from the manic new noise, come back focused and back yourself, you have been employed as they believe in you and your ability, prove them right."
The first week of your new job
1. Get to know everyone
Ensure you get to know your peers, managers and the broader team.
"Where possible, chat with individuals or pods to understand their role and responsibilities so you know the right things to approach them about and the appropriate questions to ask (take notes, write name and roles!).
"This will give you an insight and understanding of the personalities and culture of the business, which is just as important as the role they hold."
2. Work hard to learn your role
Don't run before you walk. No matter how much experience you may have, your new company will have its own way of doing things.
"Ask questions, read provided information and familiarise yourself as best and fast as possible. Do not be afraid to ask questions to ensure you pick up their process and way things are done, it will always be different from your last role, no matter how much experience you have.
"Learn their process and way of doing things first, nail it and only then once you have all the information should you be in a position to make suggestions for improved efficiencies and process, don’t run before you walk.
3. Ask for feedback
"Ask your manager for feedback after the first few days - is there is anything they would like to see you doing differently or any company material you can read after hours to help you get up to speed as quickly as possible."
Things to avoid doing in your new job
1. Don't watch the clock
It's fine to leave on time, but always offer to help out.
"Make sure you talk to your manager, ask if there is anything else you can do before leaving for the day."
2. Don't call in sick
Calling in sick on your first day or week isn't a good look, but even if you are legitimately sick, Mr Browne says you should show up anyway - even if it's just for them to send you home again.
"If you are unwell, show up at the very least and let them send you home if you are sneezing everywhere, but be respectful of space so no one else gets sick.
"Take some Glen20 spray as a present!"
3. Don't question things
Don't be that person who rocks up on their very first day telling everyone else how they should be doing their jobs.
"Don’t over talk, listen! Be a sponge - absorb and learn without questioning the status quo.
"You can do that once you are completely up to speed."
Visit the RECON Jobs website here.
Related reading:
How to work with a recruiter to land a job in real estate
Job seekers beware: Red flags that scream "don't take this job!"