Hi Dorothy I have recently started a new job but am not sure how I’m doing and wonder if the man who hired me might even be regretting his decision. I have been corrected on a few things but the messages have been vague and although I have apologized, I’m worried that after my probationary period ends in 3 months, my contract may not be confirmed. I gave up a really good job and relocated internationally to accept this position. Juliette, South Africa
Hi Juliette – thanks for your letter. Lots of things going on! Onboarding is normal after a new hire and everyone will want you to succeed, especially after the cost of an international relocation.
Here are some tips
Ask for feedback: No one gets everything right in a new job to begin with. If you have any doubts about what you need to do to guarantee your own success – ask for feedback! Suggest to your hiring manager that you are enjoying the opportunity and would like to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible and ask what you can you do to make that happen.
Request a mentor : Request a mentor who can guide you through the cultural intangibles of starting in a new position, to make those things tangible and clear to a newcomer. You can’t be expected to second-guess all the intricacies and subtext of a new company in a different country without support!
Stop apologizing: It is the responsibility of the hiring manager to make sure your job description and any targets are clear. If that hasn’t happened - you take ownership of that task. Also ask yourself if you are being overly sensitive and worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet! I am told that it’s women’s sensitivity that many male managers find annoying!
Create a paper trail : The usual reason for onboarding processes to become unstuck is poor cultural fit. If in the unlikely situation of a worst case scenario of your contract not being confirmed, you have a paper trail showing you did your best to integrate into your new position which might be helpul in the future. Store that in a non-work related email account.
Hope this helps!
This is great advice, Dorothy! I’ve talked with several women about how we sometimes seem to apologize too much and this ends up negatively impacting our image in the workplace.
Thank you – yes that is the feedback I’ve heard about too! Needless apologising!