New year, New career. How to set goals in the first few days of a new role

You may already have a new role lined up for 2022, or perhaps you’re planning to get serious about your job hunt in the coming months. When you do land your next big role, it’s important to head into it with a plan.

Goal setting is crucial to make sure you get the most from a new experience and to ensure your career continues to move forward.

When you start a new job, you’ll likely go through an onboarding process to give you an overview of your new company’s culture, as well as your new role. Of course, the overall objective is for you to assimilate and become productive as soon as possible.

However, did you know that setting your own smaller goals for the onboarding process can help you achieve that overall objective more effectively? And building these goals into your overall plan for 2022 can give you a stronger career purpose throughout the year.

Here’s why: If you spend some time thinking about what you want to get out of the onboarding process and setting goals to that effect, you’re more likely to retain more information and get answers to all the questions you might otherwise have to ask later.

While you can always set your own goals, here are a few to help you get started — along with some pointers on how to achieve them:

· Make a good first impression. Of course, everyone wants to make a good impression on their first day in a new job, but it requires a little effort. Dress according to the company’s dress code, actively listen and engage during introductions – both virtual and in-person. Ask questions without dominating the conversation. Remember, when you’re the new kid on the block, it’s better to observe before trying to stand out.

· Assimilate into the company culture. As your onboarding progresses, you’ll learn things like company-specific lingo and processes that are important for you to know. Try to memorize these as quickly as possible. If necessary, take notes so you can review them later. At the same time, join in established activities and get to know the people on your immediate team.

· Learn who’s who in the company and your team. You need to know the chain of command. Plus, you should learn the names and roles of all of your team members. Remembering someone’s name without having to ask can help you score points with your new colleagues!

· Understand your full job responsibilities. Find out exactly what it is you’re expected to do on a day-to-day basis and ask if there are any weekly, monthly, or quarterly recurring tasks you’re expected to complete.

· Find a mentor. Although not all companies support mentorships, they can be extremely useful. Ask your supervisor about the possibility of having a mentor to help you settle in.

· Think about your long-term career goals. During the onboarding process, you’ll begin to form an understanding of what’s possible in your company in terms of career advancement. That’s why the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start thinking about what you want to achieve in a job. However, you need to make sure these goals are aligned with your employer’s objectives. Once you’re familiar with and doing well in your new role, you can discuss career goals with your supervisor.

When you proactively set goals to make the most of your first days at work, you’ll not only stand a better chance of making a good impression, you’re also more likely to settle in quickly and hit the ground running in terms of productivity. In the long run, this will help your team, your company, and of course, your career.

Keen to make the best impression possible on your future employer? Click here to check out our other blogs.

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Navigating Career Crossroads: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Your Next Career Move!

12 Feb, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.

September Surge – Our Top Tips for Job Seekers

by Shazamme System User • 07 Sept, 2023

Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer, this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices. co.uk. Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!

Change. How to turn your fear into fuel for a rocket move and wake up in a different reality.

28 Aug, 2023

Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.