As was to be expected, the night before starting my new role was spent feeling a stomach-churning mix of emotions and expectations on what the job would be like. Would I be good at it? After all, it was a huge change from the job I'd been doing before. Following your dreams is great, but what happens if I wasn't made for my dream job? Not only that, how were my new colleages going to react to me? Would they like me, or would I always be the New Girl, subject to office pranks and feeling like the outsider?
Well, after being in my job for a few weeks, here are more tips on how to handle your fears of communicating with colleagues when you're a new starter.
For shy, timid peopleIf you're naturally shy (or just shy when meeting people for the first time) I am right there with you. But no matter how shy you are, you need to make a great first impression. Shyness can believe it or not work in your favour when meeting for the first time. Dropped your bag while reaching out to shake someone’s hand? Or get tongue tied when introducing yourself? Then make a joke out of it. ‘Ooops, you can tell it’s my first day!’ ‘Haha let’s start again shall we?’ Not only will it rid the tension, but the person you're meeting will (hopefully) sympathise.
But just be aware, shyness can come across as quite snobby. Obviously this is not the case at all, but your new colleagues don’t know that, do they? So my top tip is to try and be as open as possible, and smile a lot!
For confident, driven people
If you're a bold person then that’s great! People are more than likely instantly going to warm to you. It's a great quality to have and something you shouldn't change just to fit in, so go in strong but in a way that you don’t announce that you are in the building. Keep it professional, be genuine and put everyone at ease by extending a firm handshake. Build up a rapport with subtle conversation of work with a little lifestyle thrown into the mix. Just remember, being over-confident can make you come across as a loud-mouth and in some cases a professional threat. So until you're settled, don't be too OTT.
For fun, bubbly people
Bubbly my favourite kind of person. You can't help but instantly like a friendly person. But this can leave you an open target for people to walk all over you, take advantage of your kind nature and in some cases make fun of you. I've experienced this the most throughout my working life - I am friendly yet professional and will talk to anyone, but over the years I have learned to tone it down as you can become a number one target. ‘Amy, do you mind helping me with this,' ‘Amy, can you make me a cuppa,' etc.
So I suggest, when meeting your colleagues for the first time, announce a happy good morning/make a little chit chat with them. Once you have talked a little while, simply end the conversation with 'what can I start with first?' This instantly gives off the vibe that you are friendly but don’t mess around when it comes to your work.
But what about those awkward first-day situations? Reed.co.uk have put together a survival guide for all those office blunders.Forgetting someone’s name
This has the potential to lead to big office embarrassment. If you’re showing the new person around the office, including introductions to the whole department, what do you do if your mind draws a blank? Forgetting names is quite commonplace. A simple ‘Hi guys, we’re just doing the intros. Would you mind saying a few lines about yourself…’ is a simple way to prompt your colleagues to introduce themselves – and a chance for you to log their names in your memory bank.
The colleague aroma
Fragrance is subjective, but if you’re finding it particularly difficult to work along someone’s overwhelming scent, it’s best to get it out in the open. One solution is to approach them directly (and discreetly) to tell them the truth. It might not be easy, but an open conversation is the most professional way to address the issue and the person concerned should thank you (at least in the long-run). If you’re not so close, try finding a mutual acquaintance and explain the situation. They will then be able to pass on the information and hearing it from a friend should help to soften the blow.
Email blunders
Some awkward situations can be attributed to technology. Accidentally sending something you shouldn’t to the very colleague you don’t want to see it falls into this category. The only thing you can do in this situation is come clean and apologise, listen to their reaction, and say that you hope both parties can now move on from this issue. From your personal point of view, you should learn to ask yourself about what the consequences would be if your message ended up in the wrong inbox.
Overhearing office gossip
Wherever there is a water-cooler and an overly intrusive co-worker, there will be office gossip. Our advice is to avoid it. The moment you become part of the proceedings you begin to ask for trouble. Even if you’re not involved, if the piece of information gets back to the source, you will look just as guilty as the busy-body who told you about it. It’s also vitally important you consider the feelings of those being talked about. In many instances, what begins as ‘innocent gossip’ can escalate to bullying in the workplace.
What about you? Did you have a memorable first day, or are you more one to settle in slowly? Let us know your top tips for settling into a new job!
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