Changing jobs? – Here are 4 top tips

You’ve just been accepted for the role of your dreams and can’t wait to start – but suddenly the new-job jitters are kicking in. Will you be accepted? Are you sure you can handle the pressure? There are a lot of concerns heading into a new environment – whether it’s job-related or not.

Today, let’s run through four top tips when it comes to changing your profession. From making the right first impression, to presenting yourself in the appropriate way, here are some of the most important things to keep in mind.

1. Put in an extra shift or two

It doesn’t hurt when you’re new to go that extra mile to show you’re a willing, able and talented worker. We don’t suggest giving it your all when you start out, only to slowly drift off and fall into lazy habits – but it certainly doesn’t hurt to show the head honchos what you’re capable of early on.

The key here is to make a good first impression. Salary.com highlight some of the best ways to do this, with some of their top tips including:

• Arrive early and finish late
• Demonstrate a positive attitude
• Make sure all work is submitted to the best standards
• Stay organised

2. Learn as much as you can  

Learn everything you can. That doesn’t just mean about your job, but also the company, its leaders and even your fellow employees. You’ll also want to brush up on the sector as a whole if you’re starting something completely foreign to you.

The more prepared you are ahead of your start date, the better you’ll feel when you turn up. That said, you also won’t want to freak out your co-workers by admitting to stalking their Facebook pages. Try to keep your research as professional as possible.

3. Ask about paternity and maternity leave

If you’re at a stage in your life where having children is beginning to look like a reality, it’s important to be clear on your new employer’s attitude towards childcare leave. You may actually want to find this out in the interview stage, as it could impact your overall decision.

As a recent report from Direct Line highlighted, this is likely to still be more of a concern for mums-to-be, rather than future fathers. Despite changing attitudes to childcare, two thirds of stay-at-home parents are female.

4. Don’t try too hard to fit in

Don’t try to be something you’re not just to impress. Psychology Today state that trying to make a memorable first impression is one of the worst ways to introduce yourself. It can actually be a repellent.

Just act naturally. You may feel as though you’re not fitting in immediately – but it’ll come in time. The harder you force it, the less likely it is you’ll be accepted.

Remember these handy tips when you’re next starting a new job. They could prove to be lifesavers.