Aftermath

CONGRATULATIONS - you're hired!

HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW:

Notify all of your contacts -- recruiters and other potential employers -- that you have accepted a new job, and that you appreciate their help. Even if someone wasn’t very helpful, don’t burn any bridges – you’ll run into them again some day! E-mail them, call them, or write a letter. In the same vein, notify and thank your references for their help. Stay in contact with the people you met or worked with during your job hunt. You never know when you will need them again (possibly soon, if the new job does not work out!). Also, they may need your help now that you have a job and you can return the favor!

ON THE NEW JOB

• Understand the new culture: values, rules, and benefits. To do that, read the company handbook, observe how other employees behave, and do more listening than talking at first.
• Show enthusiasm and excitement for your work, and a sense of purpose to the tasks at hand.
• You know the three areas you shouldn’t discuss: your love life, politics, and religion.
• Stay out of arguments and personal attacks – how you behave now sets the stage for your future relationships at work. Be selective in what you participate in -- at work and anything outside of work that involves your co-workers or supervisor.
• Don't be critical of your past employers. What will your new co-workers and employer think you will say about them some day?
• Learn and use names of co-workers. Write them down if you need to, and study the organizational chart. Know who the “key” players are.
• Develop a clear understanding of what is expected of you; discuss it with your boss. Ask questions if you’re not sure. Write down answers if needed. You don't want to keep asking the same questions!
• Keep your supervisor informed of your progress and how things are going for you. Then, if you run into a problem, it won’t be a surprise!
• Meet your commitments and be on time. No excuses – you’re the new employee!
• If all this takes extra effort and longer work days, do it with a smile.
• Seek performance feedback from your supervisor periodically.

EVALUATE THE JOB HUNT

• Now that you’re working again, ask yourself: “Why did my last job not work out?” What part did you play in that? If you need to change your attitude, perceptions, or skills, do it.
• At your new job, what can you do to make yourself indispensable to the company (protected)?
• While you were looking for this job, what worked well in your job search process? Write it down and keep track for future use. Could you have been more proactive in your job search? What did you learn from your job search that will change your future behavior?
• What do you plan to do to keep yourself active in the marketplace? Can you network more?
• What are your 3-5 year career/life goals? Ten year? Think about this question a lot, because it is your roadmap to the future.
• What experiences on the new job will be instrumental in achieving your goals? Keep track of your achievements. Keep copies of evaluations, letters, comments, and other accolades. This will make it much easier the next time you have to look for a job!
• Update your "master" resume each year. It's easy to forget your accomplishments.

Updated 06/06/07