Posted on: Monday, August 23, 2004

Strong start at new job takes research

By David P. Willis
Asbury Park (N.J.) Press

Sean Clark recently started a new job as a litigation paralegal at a Middletown, N.J., law firm.

"There is apprehension. You hope it is going to be a good fit," said Clark, 32, of Manasquan, N.J., about his first day.

Starting a new job can be stressful. But the way you handle the transition and the steps you take to get to know your new company, co-workers and bosses over the first weeks can help make your new job a success.

"I have seen failures in a new job because of the simple stuff that people don't get," said Donna Coulson, owner of Donna Coulson & Associates, a staff training and development firm in Middletown. "They have the qualifications. They have the degrees. They have the good résumé, but they don't fit."

One of the first things a new employee has to remember is this: You are at a new company, and a new approach is important. A new employer can do things differently. Working at a small- or medium-sized business can be a change from a big corporation.

"Find out why things are done the way they are done," said Rebecca Hastings, manager of the information center at the Society for Human Resource Management in Alexandria, Va. "If you say, 'This is stupid. Why would you do this?' you could offend your boss or someone in line for a promotion."

How do you make your way? It helps to be an observer, Coulson said. Who signs off on projects? Who gets the money in the budget? Who makes a deadline and who doesn't? What is the scuttlebutt among the other employees?

"It is doing your intelligence and figuring out who is who," Coulson said.

Meanwhile, introduce yourself to the people with whom you will be working and ask to spend some time over coffee or lunch discussing each other's needs, Coulson said.

Middletown, N.J., resident John T. Teehan was laid off in June 2003 after working more than 18 years in human resources at Prudential Financial Corp. He started a new job at Science Applications International Corporation about six months ago.

"It is change, and change is always a bit frightening, but it is also an opportunity and a challenge, which is exciting," said Teehan, 41, who is now a human-resources manager. "It is intimidating, especially when you were at a company for a longer period of time and you are starting with a new company."

After an initial orientation in Virginia, Teehan traveled to California to meet with employees who handle employee benefits, record-keeping and compensation issues. He knew they would be important to him. He also met the employees in Piscataway, N.J., whom he would be supporting.

"I got to know the individuals and got to know the issues they were facing," Teehan said. "The more you get known, the more people see you around and recognize you, the more comfortable they will be in reaching out to you."

Coulson said there are other things that can help you on your new job:

• Find out how people like to communicate. Do they want a voice mail or an e-mail? "Some people like in-person communication," Coulson said.

• Become efficient with the computer system, e-mail and voice mail quickly.

• Look presentable and dress appropriately. It takes only a few seconds to make a first impression.

"You lose your credibility if you look sloppy, even if you are bright and brilliant," she said. "You had better not smell either."