New job? Here's how to navigate the unspoken roles of the workplace

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Starting a new job can feel like getting thrown into the deep end. And you have about 90 days to figure out if you're going to sink or swim. That might sound a little dramatic, but honestly, navigating a new workplace is difficult. You're entering uncharted territory and trying to decode the unspoken rules.?

As LinkedIn's Mary Kerbs puts it, "You're trying to figure out who's who in the zoo."

Mary is a VP of product HR at LinkedIn, with over 25 years of experience working in human resources. Jamé and I chatted with Mary on the latest episode of Let's Talk Offline to find out what it really takes to succeed in the first 30, 60 and 90 days of a new role.

Figuring out the unspoken rules

There's no rulebook handed to you on the first day of a new job with the inside scoop on how your colleagues like to communicate, how promotions work at the company … the list goes on. So, Jamé and I had a lot of questions for Mary on how to find your footing in a new role — since your performance is being measured in those first few months — while deciding if the job is right for you.

I was most curious about the role HR plays when it comes to new hires. I don't know about you, but to me, "going to HR" has always seemed like something you do when you're in trouble or in a tricky situation, like your performance is slipping or you're in the middle of a workplace conflict.

I wanted to know, when can you go to HR? How is HR a resource to those starting out? And is everything I tell my HR representative confidential??

Mary did a really great job demystifying HR for me, and I'm excited for you all to hear what she shared. Here are some highlights from our conversation:

• Your HR partner is there to answer the questions you might not feel comfortable asking your manager or co-workers. They can offer counsel and advice on both the good and the bad.
• Your manager should help you get your bearings in the first few months in your role. As they're helping you, they're going to evaluate how you're acclimating to the team.
• Have a conversation with your manager early on to discuss what success looks like in the role. Communicate your non-negotiables — how you like to work and to be managed — which can shift since you might be figuring out those things as you go.
• Set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals for yourself once you have a better understanding of the scope of your work.?
• Create relationships with your colleagues to expand your inner circle. Put business aside and focus on connecting on a human level.

?? Listen to the full episode of Let's Talk Offline for more on navigating the unspoken rules of work. You'll learn what "green flags" and "red flags" to watch out for as you decide if the job is right for you.

?? In this episode, we've got another Show the Receipts topic for you. We're spilling truths about worker productivity — like how many hours a day we're actually working. Tune in to hear our POVs and share yours in the comments!

?? After you listen to the episode, let us know your takeaways by tagging Jamé and I in a post on LinkedIn. We want to chat with our work besties!

What I wish I knew

Last week, this post from Emily Schlorf popped into my feed and got me thinking about what I wish I knew when starting my first job over three years ago. Emily, a communications manager at Marriott International, says that looking back, she wishes she had negotiated her salary, tracked her accomplishments from day one and initiated meet and greets with her co-workers. I can SO relate to all three. I'll add one more: I wish I had asked more questions!!

Check out Emily's post below and weigh in with what you wish you knew when starting out.

Before you go…

A friendly reminder to listen to, follow and rate the show on your favorite podcast app. See all the ways you can find Let's Talk Offline here . Also, don't forget to send us your burning questions for our Dear Work Bestie segment. You can email us at [email protected] .?

See you back here next Tuesday. We'll be tackling the slippery slope of work friendships. This is a spicy one! Jamé and I are chatting about how close is too close and how to thoughtfully build work relationships so they don't bite you later on.

In the meantime, remember that Jamé and I always have your back. So if something comes up, let's talk offline.

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