Finally Found That Job? Start It Off Right

Play Detective

Your first order of business is to sniff out the corporate culture and interpersonal dynamics.

"Study how people present themselves, how they work together and how they interact with executives, managers and clients," said Alexandra Levit, who has written about job hunting and hiring practices in four books, including "How'd You Score That Gig? A Guide to the Coolest Jobs (and How to Get Them)."

In other words, it's important to detect early on who the decision makers, rock stars, workhorses and whiners are. But don't stop there. Observe the organization's attitudes toward work-life balance, too.

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"Watch how employees conduct non-company business during the workday so that you can get a sense of how personal breaks, e-mail, and phone calls will be tolerated," Levit said.

Likewise, don't wait to be spoon-fed basic company information. Dig it up yourself.

"Read everything on every bulletin board you can find," said Paul Gruenther, a corporate expat and real estate agent in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., who has been in the employment trenches 30 years. "Write down everyone's name and look them up in the online directory. Ask for organization charts."

Meet the Locals

Rather than wait for co-workers and managers to introduce themselves to you, schedule a quick 15 or 20 minute meeting with them as soon as possible to learn more about their role and how you can best work together. That's what Darin Velin did when he started his position as a communications specialist on a 15-person team at a software company in Redmond, Wash., two months ago.

"I really felt like part of the team after doing this because I had a personal connection with everyone and had some idea of working relationships once my work tasks started rolling in," Velin said.

While it likely won't require any prescheduled meetings, be sure to introduce yourself to tech support, security guards, receptionists and administrative assistants, too. You may need to call these folks when you're in a jam; better to get to know them ahead of time. Besides, receptionists and assistants can be a goldmine of insider information.