- [Narrator] So you're starting a new job! Whatever form your induction takes, there are five things you can do to get off to a flying start. 

Be proactive. Do some reading about the company before you start. If you've received an induction pack, make sure you read over the information you've been sent so that you understand what's expected of you. 

Once you're in, keep it up. If you find yourself with some spare capacity for work, ask what else you can do, offer to help others. If you need to learn a new skill, is there a way to do it yourself? Are there internal resources, manufacturer training videos, or even YouTube tutorials you can use. If not, ask someone to show you. 

In general it's always good to communicate. Ask questions, there's no better time than when you are new. Try to spread your questions around to avoid always asking the same person. And if someone offers advice, give them your full attention. 

Get to know your colleagues too. Introduce yourself to people and join conversations. Check in with your manager regularly and ask for feedback. In fact, see if you can schedule periodic meetings to talk about how you're doing, set goals and expectations. 

You'll probably want to take notes. It's going to be hard to remember everything, so write it down. Whether it's recording a step-by-step procedure, or mapping out your departmental structure, notes will help. In particular, if someone teaches you something new, take down as much as you can. It shows you are committed to doing a good job and prevents you from asking the same questions twice. You could even share your notes with other new recruits. This will also help you build a network. 

You'll need to figure out who everyone is and what they can help you with. It's also good for them to know you and what you specialize in. Connect on social media like LinkedIn and you'll be able to see their experience and skills. Also look at your external network. Are there groups or organizations you could join to learn more? With a good network you should be able to find a mentor. If there's someone you get along with who clearly knows the ropes, consider asking them to mentor you. It doesn't have to be a formal arrangement, they could just be your go-to person for advice. They can also help you to navigate informal things like the company culture and office politics. 

While every new job is different, follow these five rules to make a good impression and hit the ground running. © 2022 Mind Tools by Emerald Works Limited.