The most important part of your work is often the most overlooked.
Bosses get honeymoon periods, employees (especially contractors and freelancers) get a small window in which to prove themselves.
Make a good impression early on and you will receive all sorts of tolerances, make a bad one and you will struggle for many weeks just to get back to where you started.
When starting a new job it's prudent to address the concerns and requirements of your colleagues before trying to demonstrate just how good you think you are.
You may desire to prove what a valuable asset you will be, but
those around you may only need reassurance that you've grasped what's
required of you, so don't over elaborate or get involved in one
upmanship.
It may be an uncomfortable fact, but to start with, most of the people
around you will have a better idea of what your job entails than you
do, so seek and take advice when appropriate.
The first days on a new job are similar for consultants, contractors and freelancers alike.
With no track record to fall back on, it is vital to start building your reputation from the very first opportunity.
Here are some basic things to remember:
Hindsight is great but most mistakes are made early on and it's wise to take a few precautions.
Your early days and weeks can mould your entire career with a new employer; first impressions are easily made and difficult to undo.
The challenges of starting a new job are magnified when it's also a new career.
It's all too easy to feel that the hard work has been done when we get the job we've been after, yet by definition, that's only the start.
Understanding what's expected of you is vital to a successful working relationship.
The preparation you make defines your professionalism in the eyes of your new colleagues.