Even if you’re a seasoned professional, starting a new job at a new company – or even a new role at the same company – can be quite daunting. You’ll be facing the usual challenges, such as adjusting to a new work environment and getting along with new workmates. But those are often easier in comparison to the challenge of quickly learning your new tasks and performing well. After all, you don’t want to be the underperforming newbie; nobody does.
This article goes over all the different ways you can accelerate your learning in your new job so you can hit those work metrics right off the bat.
Have a Crystal Clear Learning Goal
Without a specific goal, your learning will become scattered and inefficient. If you’re lucky, your seniors might already have a goal outlined for you. But sometimes, that’s not the case.
The classic SMART framework is one of the most common ways to set a practical learning goal. For example, let’s say you’re a new social media manager. For your first 30 days, you should learn how to use the company’s preferred social media scheduling tool by completing its official training module and applying your knowledge to schedule at least five posts independently.
While doing so, track your progress by reviewing analytics and seeking feedback from your manager to ensure you are using the tool effectively. There you have it, a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goal!
Think About Thoughtful Questions to Ask
We mentioned how your superiors can be of help with goal setting. Well, they are also there to answer questions to fast-track your learning. It is understandable that some may feel hesitant to ask questions because they don’t want to look incompetent. In reality, managers and superiors actually appreciate when a new hire is more inquisitive.
The most important thing is to ask the right questions, which should be both relevant and well-formed. Focus on three main things: getting to know how things work, clarifying team expectations, and getting ready for edge cases that aren’t common but could happen. Beyond choosing the right topics, how you frame these questions matters just as much as what you ask.
So, for example, instead of asking what you should do first, frame it in a way that includes clearer context. With that in mind, the better question becomes, “I have tasks X and Y, based on the department’s current goal, which tasks should I prioritize?”
Jot Down Daily Notes
The process of learning always involves note-taking. That’s why you’ll often see work stations with sticky notes plastered everywhere. Of course, you don’t have to take notes like that. There are more efficient ways to jot down reminders for better retention.
Consider a more structured approach, such as creating mind maps and formatting with bullet points. These daily notes should be revisited often, preferably every end of the week. Otherwise, they’ll become useless office decorations.
Shadow an Experienced Colleague
Some people learn faster by observing other professionals and how they work. Newbies might have more free time in the office during their first weeks, so they have more freedom to observe and interact with teammates. Just make sure to communicate your intent to anyone you’ll be shadowing.
As you observe, apply the previous tips we mentioned, too. Take notes on key insights and ask thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding. Applying multiple learning methods helps accelerate your progress and makes adapting to your new role much easier.
Use Digital Tools to Stay Organized
Instead of creating a chaotic workspace with scattered notes, use digital task managers to stay organized. These tools allow you to integrate your notes, queries, and learning objectives, giving you a more transparent picture of your progress.
If you don’t have a go-to management tool, start with the ones your company already depends on. Since you’re already learning the job, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the tech that comes with it.
Check Social Media for Industry Quick Tips
TikTok is a platform that doesn’t seem educational at first glance. However, it has become a surprisingly valuable platform for bite-sized educational content.
Many professionals and industry experts use the platform to share tips and tutorials on various topics, from productivity hacks to coding tricks. If you’re in a workplace or region with restrictions, you might need to find a TikTok unblock solution to access this growing library of professional content.
Nonetheless, you must follow credible content creators and meticulously curate your feed. This is the only way to ensure you will turn TikTok into a platform for learning instead of entertainment.
Thriving Through Continuous Learning
Even after you’ve mastered your tasks in your new role, learning shouldn’t stop. Continue upskilling when you can, and maybe your next promotion will also come faster.
