So, you’ve started a new job and are eager to learn and grow within the field, but you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the new material, job requirements, and your role within the company. You’re wondering how long it will take you to get good at your job.
Getting good at your job usually takes 2-3 months, provided that you pay attention to your training. You must also be open to feedback to improve. This doesn’t mean you’ll be the best you can be at the end of this time, but you’ll be considered a productive team member who’s competent in their field.
Being really good at your job carries many aspects, both personal and professional. These aspects develop at different times, such as your confidence and knowledge of the position. So, let’s explore the varying timeframes for these aspects.
How long should it take to adjust to a new job?
Sometimes, becoming good at your job is less about what you are doing and more about how you are feeling- and whether you are feeling confident. A primary source for feeling good at your job comes from your employer and fellow employees in the form of compliments or encouraging words.
Something that a lot of people struggle with when starting a new job is focusing all of their attention and energy on the things they did wrong in a day on the job. While listening to those areas is vital to becoming a valued team member, it’s equally as important to listen to the good things your employer is saying to you.
Paying attention to compliments or words of encouragement from your fellow employees will boost your self-esteem, decrease your new job stress, and help you feel supported and valued. Even something as small as an employee telling you they understand how you’re feeling can remind you that you are not alone and that the job does get easier with time.
Another way to build confidence is by gaining knowledge that will help you succeed in your new job. If you work in a field where you can take extra classes outside of work to expand your knowledge, consider doing so on your own time. Taking some online classes – free or paid for – that are in the area your new job is, shows your employer you are invested in the company. You can find out tips that will improve your work performance. This research will also help you build your confidence in this new position. Make sure that you choose a study that matches your career.
How long does it take to feel happy in a new job?
Feeling comfortable in your new job varies from person to person since everyone’s definition of “comfortable” is different. However, it is important to your success in your position. Comfort also contributes to feeling safe at work. In general, feeling comfortable in your new job comes down to three factors:
- Being knowledgeable about your position
- Making friends with your coworkers
- Feeling supported by your employer
In order for those three items to take effect in your new role, you’ll need to accept that they will not happen overnight. It takes time to learn a new job role. However, making friends – or at least acquaintances – with coworkers eases new job stress and helps you feel more comfortable going into work each day. Communicating with your employer on areas you feel you need extra support will aid your comfort level as well. If you work in labour positions, you can also connect with a labour hire company to support and guide you in a new position.
Remember that it’s expected that you will have questions, need support, and those few weeks of job training to become a productive team member. Paying attention during those 2-4 weeks of job training determines how quickly you become good at your job. Remember to ask your fellow employees questions and befriend a few that you get along with. They can help you learn and provide you with the words of encouragement that you need.
Remember, your employer wants you to succeed because if you succeed, they succeed.
How long should it take to train for a new job?
At first, this new role is going to feel like a whirlwind. Between job training, meeting your coworkers, learning the layout, and learning your position, you’re bound to feel a little bit overwhelmed. This is expected! However, after your first month on the job, you should feel that sense of fear easing up!
At this point, you should have a simple daily routine down within your new job. This involves arrival time, putting away your belongings, getting the rundown from your coworkers and then starting your work. This simple routine is often enough to make any new employee start to feel comfortable. The few weeks of training should have a new hire up to speed on their duties within the company.
If you’re an employer, finding the right employee and getting them up to speed can depend on what industry you are hiring for. Many office jobs take extra time and training. However, if you are looking for labour workers, many have prior experience and are almost ready to transition straight into the job you’re offering. Labour hire companies can connect the best labour workers around with you to get the job done!
When you start a new job, the first thing your employer should do is explain your training days to you. They should include information about how the training process for new employees works within their company. If they do not discuss this with you, ask them directly. You can ask how long the employee training is, what the phases of onboarding are and how you can successfully complete these processes.
Job training varies from company to company, but most training lasts 2-4 weeks. These training sessions are the key to becoming good at your new job. Training is often led by employees known as “leads”. Leads are the employees that have been there for an extended amount of time and have proven themselves to be valuable to the company. They are knowledgeable of the company’s standards, values, and protocols. Embrace every learning opportunity from them and pay attention to how they do their part of the job.
If your job allows, carry a notebook with you and take detailed notes on the training provided. Then you have a resource to look back at during times where someone isn’t around to answer a question for you.
Is it normal to struggle starting a new job?
It’s very normal to struggle in a new job. You are in a new setting, in a position that might differ greatly from your last. With the wide range of business resources, there can be so many new things to learn. Employers are not expecting you to immediately succeed.
However, there are things you can do to ease this struggle, such as taking the
time to read up on the subject matter of your new job. This should be an effort you put in using your own time because you want to do well in your new position. For example, what can you learn about the company and position based on the company website? If there’s a company handbook or guide, take some time to read through that as well. Obtaining such information can give you an upper hand and reduce your struggle.
You’re doing the right thing reading this already! Don’t be afraid of feedback.
The other way to grow from struggle is to not be afraid of feedback. If your leaders are providing you with constructive feedback, you will only continue to get better at your work! Take their advice on board because it will be useful to you. Feedback is given because people want to see you succeed, so don’t shy away from it.
How do you acclimate a new employee?
When starting a new job, you’re likely to need some assistance from your fellow employees that know the ropes of the job already. By asking questions, you’ll learn much quicker than if you wait around and try to learn everything by yourself.
If you’re struggling on a specific subject, don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or lead employee for clarification and guidance.
A main concern amongst new employees is that they don’t want to feel like a pesky fly constantly roaming around and intruding on people’s space. But the more questions you ask, the faster you will become good at your new job. In order to learn, you must be curious, which means you’ll have to ask questions. Never be afraid to approach your supervisor about your concerns or confusion. The company wants you to succeed because, once more, if you succeed, they succeed!
Thinking about studying again? Here are things to consider before doing a PhD while working full-time. Perhaps you’re wondering if your major matters to your career or what it means to work autonomously. Apply for updates on general construction labourer jobs with Canberra Labour Hire.
