A new job is often exciting, but it is also the beginning of a number of new challenges. And although you might feel relieved that you have landed the job, continuing to put conscious efforts into maintaining a good impression and showing that you are a good fit for the job is the way to keep this new job.

Employers often have a probation period where a new hire’s performance is scrutinised. But even beyond the last day of your probation, you are likely to continue to be the new employee for a while, especially in a place where they are not new people being hired all the time.

So how can you manage this initial period of your new employment? Here are a few points to keep in mind.

Shorten your learning curve

Employers do expect some learning curve for every new hire. It is important that you understand the employer’s expectation in terms of time and deliverable. For example, be clear about when you will be expected to have the same productivity of your peers, take a full workload or work under lesser supervision.

Once you define these expectations, find ways to help yourself learn quicker and advance faster. For example, be proactive in asking for guidance or getting information. Identify who are assigned to help you learn the ropes and who can volunteer to do so, and capitalise on their knowledge. This might mean working a little harder or longer initially, but it certainly will pay off.

Minimise or even eliminate mistakes

Have a strategy for avoiding mistakes. This could be finding someone who can look over your work or help you out. It also could be going an extra mile in testing or double checking your own work. Do whatever works for your circumstances to avoid a situation where you have to explain why errors have happened.

Having said that, if an error does happen, show integrity in owning it. Don’t rush to blame it on a lack of guidance, a co-worker or a supervisor. Being new to a workplace will help others cut you some slack, but they won’t forget it if you seem to be one who points fingers once trouble hits.

Be humble but confidence

If you got the job, you probably have a good knowledge base. Don’t totally overlook this knowledge because you’re in a new place. When you have a suggestion or idea that seems to fit, present it confidently, but be open to hear why it doesn’t work if that is the case.

Showing your flexibility will help people appreciate your knowledge even if your idea doesn’t fly. It also will give them a glimpse into how you cooperate with others. Over time you are more likely to get listened to.

Make a lasting impression

Stay positive, motivated and interested in the job. If you want to make a lasting impression, you must be sure that you do not settle too soon. It may be hard to maintain the same level of enthusiasm you showed in a job interview, but it is not impossible. Find aspects in the job that you enjoy, and try not to focus on the drawbacks, if any.

In particular, don’t complain too much to your coworkers or supervisors about your new situation, even if some aspects of it you don’t like. For example, do you hate the commute? Keep this discussion for your friends and family. As far as work goes, it should be something along the lines of “everything is under control.”

In addition, remember all eyes are on you, so tune down anything that might be inappropriate, goofy or disrespectful especially if you have not been around long enough to understand how others perceive your behaviour. Making a lasting impression takes time, but once it is established you won’t have to worry about details of daily workplace issues getting in the way of your advancement.

The writer, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.

Seizing the new job opportunity

 Shorten your learning curve

 Avoid making mistakes

 Introduce, don’t push, your knowledge

 Show you’re the right fit and person

 R.O.