New Job, Now What?

At Crossroads we have always focused primarily on helping people find the right job.  Our desire, though, is that all people are living in their purpose, honoring God in their work, and finding fulfillment.  So if you’ve walked through your job seeking season and the Lord has provided you the right opportunity, we want to help you shine!  You found the right job, now what?

You may not know we actually have a book for this specific purpose: New Job Jump Start.  We are currently working on a few updates and hope to re-release it as an e-book in the future.  In the meantime, you can expect the next couple of blogs to tackle how to start your new job off on the right foot.  We will be offering advice about how to get a great start in your new job. If you’ve recently experienced a breakthrough, we’d love for you to share your story with us of seeking God and finding fulfilling work.

As you prepare for your first week of work we highly recommend you do your research:

• Know the appropriate dress code.  Ask your boss.  I would even recommend speaking to a coworker at the same level and of the same gender for advice about any specific styles, colors, and even brands.  If there’s an appropriate way to observe for yourself before you start, even better.
• Wear them well.  Clean, wrinkle free clothes in flattering fits are essential.  You never want to appear sloppy.  Be conservative – don’t show excessive amounts of skin.
• Come prepared for your first day.  Have something to write on and with.  You do not want to be the person who comes to orientation and has to ask for a pen.  You know you’ll need to take notes, be ready. Also do not have your phone out and visible when you’re at work unless your job specifically asks you to use your cell phone, and even then use vibrate or silent.  

Your first week and beyond we also strongly recommend that you are prepared to handle things that can be off putting. By all means we want you to be yourself, that’s who you were hired to be.  That doesn’t need to include excessive fragrance, bad breath, unkempt facial hair, split ends, or too much makeup.  Keep a small bag of supplies in your desk.  I always have a toothbrush and toothpaste. I keep an extra stick of deodorant (in Florida in the summer this is CRUCIAL).  Keep a hairbrush handy.  If you have pets I highly recommend keeping a lint roller in your desk in case you get to work and realize your beloved animal has covered your backside in fur! Try to think of any needed supplies and keep a small emergency bag.  I keep a small sewing kit in my desk in case I ever lose a button, etc., but once I had to help sew my boss’s pants after an incident at work!  You know how being prepared might save you or someone else in a pinch.

We are excited for you as you begin a new job and new season of your life. I hope you’re taking time to celebrate and thank the Lord for His provision.  We love being on this journey with you.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Becca Christensen is a Crossroads Career Board Member and the editor of this blog since 2020. She recently moved into accounting within the automotive industry. She’s an avid reader, an enthusiastic football fan, and competitive at any and all board games.