CAREER SPECIAL.... Kick your career into new gear now

Kick your career into new gear now

Preparing ahead of time can help you start strong at your next job and leave a lasting impression

Starting a new job is like moving to a place you have never been before. It can be scary and exciting at the same time. A career change can be overwhelming, but if you prepare ahead of time, you’ll transition into your new position with ease. Author Ryan Ariano researched his industry and made a game plan before starting his job, and it helped him get off to a great start, “My future boss warned me during the interview that it would take half a year to get up to speed. But using a few tips, I got up to speed in about half that time and even earned my first raise in four months as an entertainment travel agent,” he says. Here are some of the smartest things you can do before starting your new job:

Know your industry

If you’re staying in the same industry, this stage can be a short one. All you have to figure out is your company’s identity. If you’re diving into a new industry, there’s a lot more homework to do. “I made a comprehensive list of hotels culled from every magazine, blog, and travel show I could find. When I had an agent ask for suggestions for a director in Shanghai, I could rattle off the Waldorf and the Mandarin Oriental.

And when a VIP asked for suggestions for his five-star vacation, I knew that Palawan, Philippines was the hottest new destination,” Ariano says.

Know your company

You’d never use a new power tool without reading the directions first. The same goes for starting a new job. Aside from basic conduct rules and the vacation policy, there are procedures and penalties in the company manual that you need to understand. If you can, try to find an employee list with photos or look up your company on LinkedIn before you start.

Your new colleagues will be flattered by the fact that the new team member already knew who they were.

Get some new threads

“Dress to impress” is a classic job tip, and for good reason. Sharp, well-fitting clothes can make you look and feel more professional. You don’t need to blow a ton of money on a new wardrobe. But your crisp, never-worn dress shirt and well-fitted trousers can give you a boost of confidence that will set the tone from day one.

Give yourself some transition time

If possible, avoid leaving one job on Friday and starting a new one on Monday. You should take at least a week to clear your head. Even if you’re staying in the same industry, your reality is changing — corporate identities are as distinct as individual personalities.

For example, you may be leaving a company that emphasises individual achievement and responsibility for one that focuses on teamwork and cooperation. Take a three-day camping trip, binge on your favourite shows or go on a long vacation. By the time you start your job, you will be more energised than you’d been in a long time.

Thank everybody

You want to tell the people who just hired you how excited you are to join the team, but you also want to thank your colleagues from your former company so you can set the tone for maintaining those relationships.

The more bridges you build, the further you’ll go.

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