Hitting the Ground Running in a Professional Culture

Landing a new career opportunity is exciting, but it’s also a little daunting. You have to prepare to blend into a new company culture, and you often won’t know what to expect. 

Fortunately, there are simple steps that you can take to simplify the process, allowing you to hit the ground running. Here are some tips that can make fitting into your new company’s culture easier. 

Getting More Comfortable in a Company Culture From The Start 

Start with Research 

You can often learn a lot about a company’s culture by researching the organization before your first day. When you accept the job offer, ask for copies of the employee handbook. Read rules regarding dress and conduct, as those can help you gain your footing initially. 

After that, spend time looking into the organization. Reading reviews from current and former employees may help. Similarly, you can learn quite a bit by reviewing the company’s social media pages. Finally, look for recent news articles or press releases that reflect the organization’s culture. 

Spend Time Observing 

While you should certainly engage with your new colleagues, spending time observing the culture is critical if you want to fit in quickly. Through observation, you can learn any unwritten rules that you can’t discover in the handbook. Additionally, you can experience the broader team dynamic, allowing you to see how to position yourself to fill a need or provide the most value. 

As you observe, pay attention to several points. See how everyone’s attire compares to the dress code, allowing you to see if employees usually meet or aim to exceed expectations in that area. Listen to how colleagues speak to one another, noting their language choice and the degree of formality. 

If you’re working closely with any coworkers or were assigned a team buddy during onboarding, ask questions if you need clarity about the culture. Approach it like an informational interview, focusing primarily on gaining insight over rendering judgment. 

Take Advantage of Social Opportunities 

Another critical step when integrating with a new culture is taking advantage of social opportunities. Casually chat with others in the break room, shoot the breeze for a moment when you’re in one-on-one meetings with your manager, and accept lunch invitations from colleagues. These processes help you get to know those working around you, which often makes you more comfortable. Plus, it’s a chance for them to become familiar with you, allowing them to accept you faster. 

Focus on Friendliness 

In many cases, a friendly, welcoming attitude makes a substantial difference when you’re trying to fit in after accepting a new job. By being warm and open, you’re more approachable. In turn, your new colleagues are more inclined to engage with you and offer support as you get your footing. 

Simple gestures like smiling at new people and introducing yourself are surprisingly effective. When you first say hello, offer your name, new job title, and a brief description of your role. In most cases, the other person will follow up with the same details about themselves, allowing you to quickly make new connections. 

Want a Company Culture That is Right for You?

Ultimately, the tips above can help you hit the ground running as you explore your new company’s culture. If you’d like to learn more about how to succeed in a new job or are seeking out new opportunities, Riverway Business Services wants to hear from you. Check out our available jobs or contact our recruiters to get started today.