Yesterday, a new person started working in my department.  The person is a recent college grad, and this is probably her first real job.  The manager in charge started giving a rundown of job responsibilities and guidelines that made even my head spin.  I heard at least a dozen acronyms, which I’m sure she wasn’t familiar with.  I’m not sure if this force-feeding is the best approach when breaking in a new employee.

The other thing that usually occurs on your first day at a new job is the round of introductions.  I’m terrible at remembering peoples’ names, and the initial meet-and-greet is no exception.  Everyone knows who the new guy is, but the new guy may have to remember a dozen new names right from the start.  I’ve tried using a mnemonic, but I always wind up excusing myself and my bad memory.  Not the way you want to kick off a new job.

I’ve been the new guy at many jobs over the years.  The new guy has to remember that it’s going to take time to feel comfortable at their new job, both professionally and socially:

Professionally

• The new hire has to learn new procedures
• Training may be needed to learn new software
• Follow the structure of the chain of command

Socially

• You may find yourself alone amongst a group of cliques
• You can choose to either fit in by partaking in group lunches, kaffeeklatches, Super Bowl pools, or softball teams
• Choose to remain an outsider

I would recommend trying to join something.  After all, you’ve joined the organization professionally, and you’ll be spending most of your waking hours at work.  Why not make a few new friends?  I’m sure that she’ll get all the help and encouragement that she needs from my coworkers; we’re all pretty helpful here.

Whether you choose to be one of the gang, or remain aloof, or you could decide that the job isn’t right for you.  I think that you should give the decision at least a few months before deciding to move on.

You can read a guest post on Brazen Careerist from someone who quit her new job after just two weeks.  The comments are particularly interesting, ranging from bashing to applauding her decision.  I’ll let you be the judge.

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