Seven Things When It Comes to the Best Career Advice for People Starting a New Job

1.    Make an immediate impact: Often when starting a new job, your employer has identified a key project that they want you to work on once on board. Your goal is to make sure you “crush it” and not just meet the expectations, but rather you exceed them. The faster you make an impact, the faster you will rise through the ranks and advance because people will know you as the go-to person who gets things done.

2.    Volunteer for a committee or special project: Whether it’s the holiday party or a new business development presentation, volunteer to work on a special project. Not only is it a great way to meet new people, it’s a wonderful opportunity to gain exposure and access to the senior leadership team.

3.    Offer to help or take over a project your boss doesn’t want to do: One of the best and quickest ways to curry favor and respect from your supervisor is to volunteer to take over a project your boss dislikes. Pay particular attention to what projects he or she gripes about or explains they haven’t had time to do — and offer to do it for them.

4.    Socialize and get to know people at all levels of the organization: Your number one goal during your first few months in the job is to not just hang out in your cubicle or office, but to introduce yourself and get to know the people at your company.

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5.    Jump at opportunities to travel: If you are ever offered the opportunity to travel on business or work on an international assignment, grab it. Being offered to work at another office or location is a sign the organization has big expectations of you. Remember, your employer does not pick average employees to work hands on with clients or work on international projects.

6.    Arrive before and leave after your boss does: One of the easiest ways to start establishing a good name for yourself is to appear that you are working longer or harder than everyone else. Observe what time your boss arrives and departs every day and make it your goal to arrive 10-15 minutes before they do. Make a point to send emails during these time periods to show others that you are putting in the extra time.

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7.    Keep a detailed summary of your weekly and monthly accomplishments: Numerous organizations start employees off on a probationary period, meaning that should they fail to meet certain goals or targets they get let go. Of course, your goal is to do more than make it through the probation process, but to gain more responsibility and successfully advance in the organization. Having a detailed list of your accomplishments will come in handy when it comes to your annual performance review, or if needed to support your accomplishments during the probation period.

This week think about things you can do or will do when starting a new job. Remember these suggestions and develop some of your own. When starting a new job, remind yourself that you only get one chance to make a great first impression.