You have the interview and you have been selected. The first few weeks are bound to be interesting and yet stressful. This is a time where you will absorb and learn your new job. But are there specific focus areas in which you should concentrate? You have referential military experience and now it is time to apply it on the job with your new company.
8 Strategies for Your New JOb Post Military Transition
It’s a new job and a new life, but you’re not starting from scratch. Lean into the strategies you already know to do.
1. Examine the Company Culture
You did this in the military. Now it is time to do it again. Just like your last unit, the organization has its own personality, beliefs, and values. You may have gleaned some of this from the interview, but the next few weeks will pay dividends, if your firsthand observations are quickly incorporated into your methods and ethics.
2. Listen
The military does not attract and grow meek people. However, during your first few weeks, make sure to take in as much information as you can, before stating your own opinions. Leaders know all about this from the great training provided by the military. You will need to prove your value, prior to suggesting changes within the organization.
3. Get Your Benefits in Order
While you are completing all the required orientation training, make sure you study and complete your benefits documentation. Work with Human Resources and go over the basic questions and try to get this done the first week. Makes sure to ask about health, vision, dental insurance, sick leave, paid time off and holidays, rolling over an old 401(k).
4. Take the Initiative
A great way to learn your job is to document all details associated with your tasks if this has not been done already. As you master your personal tasks and focus, find ways to help that are not specified in your job description. As you offer a solution to perceived problems, be willing to lead or at least take part in your solution.
5. Keep a Balanced Perspective
People and organizations have problems. Keep an open mind as you learn more about your new workplace. You may not like everything you see. Welcome other’s viewpoints, while keeping a balanced perspective. Who are the informal leaders? Who has been there the longest? You will be pleasantly surprised and sometimes you will be disappointed. Stay balanced and realize that you are in a different situation, but it is not a bad work environment.
6. Develop Work Relationships
You have done this before, and you know building trust takes time. Get to know the people you work with so you can start forming solid relationships. Eat lunch or grab a coffee with your teammates. Also pursue meeting leadership. Try to meet some folks on other teams, and some more senior folks. Look for after work opportunities you might enjoy with other team members.
7. Check Your Integrity
You can’t control what others do, but you can control what you do. Take a hard stance against anything detrimental to the workplace, to include gossip. This can be difficult because you want to seem part of the team. However, there is no need to talk about areas or problem that do not concern you, especially with someone who has no way to improve the situation. Don’t complain about anyone – especially behind their back. If you have an issue, go directly to that source.
8. Ask for feedback
You can gain insight by asking your supervisor and team members questions. You can also ask for their feedback and how you are doing. You can ask, “Do you need to focus more in any particular area? How can you add more value to the team?” You do not have to wait for an official review.
Enjoy the Ride
As you become more confident, remember that you are not an expert. Don’t allow yourself to think you know more or you are better than others. Instead, allow yourself to be coached and be eager to learn. Apply your known talents to your position and you will be success. Just try to relax and enjoy the ride!
