Q. I am graduating this month, and  I’m really excited (and grateful in this economy!) to start a new job.  But I’m also feeling a lot of pressure to prove myself. I’ve had summer internships over the last few years, so I’m not a total rookie, but I’m nervous about having a “real job” and doing it well. How can I come out of the gate strong and make a good impression without appearing to try too hard?— Chloe, 23

A. Congrats on the new job! I admire your awareness of the importance of making a good impression and your desire to start strong. You were hired because you’re capable. Your employer sees something in you that the organization needs. Besides, you don’t need to prove everything immediately, and the pressure to do so is mostly in your head.

Job number one is to listen and learn, so that you can contribute. The biggest mistake most young professionals (and sometimes seasoned professionals!) make is jumping straight to proving themselves before they’ve understood the environment they’re operating in. Be patient with yourself. Starting a new job often feels like everyone else has a manual you weren’t given. They don’t–they just had more time to decipher the unwritten rules. 

Here’s how to start strong in your new job:

• Introduce yourself. Get acquainted with everyone on your team and those working near you (if you’re in an office). Ask them about their role, what advice they have for a new team member, and make a point to remember their names. Offer to grab coffee – everyone needs a break, and it’s a great way to connect.
  
• Set up a 1:1 with your manager. If it’s not already scheduled, ask for a 1:1 with your manager to understand what success looks like in your first 30, 60, and 90 days. Ask about their working style and how they prefer to communicate (e.g., Slack, email, text, etc.) and how often you’ll meet 1:1. They may have a preferred agenda format. If not, you can use the one I describe in this newsletter. 
  
• Keep a running list. You’ll hear a lot of acronyms and jargon you don’t quite understand. You’ll have questions that won’t be appropriate to ask in the middle of a meeting. Capture all of it. It’s important to write down everything you’re unsure of and share your list with your manager or colleagues. Having clarity and an informed context is vital to be an effective contributor.
  
• Learn how work actually gets done. Observe the workflow and how work is delivered. Are meetings encouraged, or does the organization rely on instant messaging and rapid responses? Or do people use email, copying a few people or most stakeholders? Get in the flow of things to find your flow.
  
• Listen twice as much as you speak. Pay attention to the dynamics in meetings. Thoroughly read the materials provided (in advance, if possible). Take notes even if an AI tool is used or someone else is assigned. This will help you remember the discussion and next steps. But don’t forget to speak up if you have a question about something assigned to you. You can say, “Before I move forward, I have a clarifying question,” or “I’m excited to get started. Can we align on your expectations for the report?”
  
• Find the informal power brokers. Every organization has an org chart with formal authority. But most also have highly influential leaders with informal authority. These people typically don’t have fancy titles, but they know how to get things done, and they are widely respected. They’re the go-to gurus within the organization, so learn who they are and start building a relationship with them. Begin by offering to help them on a project, attend one of their talks, or comment on a post they’ve shared on LinkedIn.
  
• Deliver a quick win. Figure out a way to deliver an early outcome, even if it’s small. It is tangible proof of competence, and that builds trust fast. Ask your manager about something that’s been on the back burner for a while that needs attention. This could be fixing a bug, building a dashboard, improving a slow process, drafting a report for a colleague who’s buried. Do the work without fanfare. When you deliver it, simply say: “I noticed this hadn’t been done and was causing friction, so I took a pass at it. Let me know if it’s useful.” That framing is humble but confident. 
  
• Ask for feedback. The fastest way to grow and learn is to proactively seek feedback. Don’t wait for your manager to come to you or ask the generic, “How am I doing?” Instead, get specific: “After reviewing my report, what is one thing I can do to improve next time?” or  “Is the level of detail I’m putting into my work about right, or am I over/under-investing in certain areas?”

Most of all, show up with a good attitude and be the person others are glad to have around. 

And for more information on starting your career with a strong foundation and insight into the unwritten rules of the workplace, check out my new book, UP!.

You’re equipt to thrive in your new role.