Karlene Meister

A survey conducted by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service, shows that it takes on average 45 working days to assess new hires to determine if they are suitable for the new job. From the very beginning, employers closely evaluate the new hire’s abilities to do the job well and collaborate with other employees. Here are five tips for new hires on how to fit in to the new work environment.

1. Clarify your responsibilities with your manager soon after starting, and request feedback a few weeks into the role to be sure that you’re on track

2. Take note of the corporate culture. What time do employees generally arrive and leave the office, and what is the preferred style of communication? Is it instant messaging, or face to face conversation?

3. Make friends with the key people on your team, such as project leaders and other influencers, and potential mentors

4. Notice how meetings are conducted, whether with a formal agenda or as a free-for-all, and if attendees use electronic devices to take notes, and how vocal attendees are expected to be

5. After you have built sufficient rapport with your colleagues, offer ideas when appropriate. This way they will be more open to your suggestions after you have established a level of trust with them.