What a challenge

  • New jobs come with new challenges.
  • Identify and learn skills needed for the job.
  • Avoid taking too much work to make an impression.
  • Recognise your achievements, even if minor.

If you're asked for the reason to change jobs in an interview, it may be easy to resort to a reliable stock answer such as: Looking for a challenge. The answer seems safe as hiring managers often have a positive perception of a job seeker who is keen to take on new challenges, in addition to the fact that taking the conversation into this direction saves you discussing controversial topics such as seeking a better financial position or being fed up with a previous employer.

This aspiration for challenge is, however, a typical case of watch what you wish for. If your future employer does head your ambition — and even if not — a new job may come with a set of challenges that turn into an unpleasant surprise for a new hire. If misinterpreted, these challenges can lead a new hire to think of the new job as a wrong move — even though many of these may be merely part of taking on a new job in a different environment.

That is why it is important to balance expectations prior to taking a new job, and consider the scope of possible challenges that might come along with the job. Once you're in your new position, deal with what you call challenges with a positive, can-do approach to be sure you get the best out of the opportunity.

Here are a few points to think of.

Matter of change

Change in itself is challenging. You walk into a new office, and everything from figuring out the routine to catching up with policies and complex relationships does not make your start any easier. The honeymoon period may be the most difficult time of employment for a new hire. Regardless of the nature of the job and its difficulties, the more predictable it becomes, it is likely to turn easier. So don't pass judgments too early. In addition, there is typically a grace period for new employees to catch up and settle in. Make the best out of it by building rapport and connections with coworkers and trying to understand the procedures and the work flow as fully as possible.

Real challenges

Once you pass the first bump, you most likely are in a position to see the reality of the job with its pros and cons as well as its actual challenges that can be in terms of duties that you're not well-trained to perform, the required workload or simply tasks that force you out of your comfort zone. The way to deal with these challenges is to identify them and work at acquiring the skills or the assistance in dealing with them.

Own challenges

A new job may be coming with challenges you've not planned for, and they are not even recognised as challenges by your supervisor. For example, a job that requires public speaking or presentation skills may be challenging for someone who hasn't been trained for these skills — but this is point that can be easily overlooked while considering the job. One way to put the challenges into perspective is to look into how far your temporary inconvenience can lead to professional development and growth. Remember a job that is too comfortable may be easier to do, but it might end up being boring and unfulfilling.

Striking a balance

An ambitious new hire may be unintentionally attracting challenging tasks — from work that no one else wants to do to assignments that a supervisor may think necessary to keep the motivation going. It is in your hands not to bite off more than you can chew. While taking on big projects early on may be a promising sign in the eyes of your boss, you will only get credit for what you will be able to deliver and for the quality of your work. Try to balance making a good impression of your ability and enthusiasm while avoiding setting yourself up for failure by being swamped.

Attitude challenges

As you grow with the job you'll likely be able to knock off one challenge after the other. It is important to recognise these little victories, not only because the job will get easier but because when a new and more complex challenge comes along as a result of your newly acquired knowledge and wider responsibility you'll need to build on your own confidence in your abilities to overcome challenges. Learn from your own creativity and build your own tactics and defences to make sure you're poised to future challenges, as well.

 

Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is currently a journalist based in Seattle.