Perhaps you accepted a great position at an excellent company and can’t wait for your first day. However, you may find the incredible job you interviewed for is nothing like what you have once you actually start. Although this experience can be frustrating, there are ways to navigate working a job that isn’t what you expected. Here’s what you can do.
Allow Time to Adapt: Give yourself time to adapt to your new environment, co–workers and responsibilities. You need to reconcile what you thought the job would be like with what it really is. Get to know your co–workers by inviting them to coffee. Make yourself feel more comfortable by personalizing your workspace. If each week is better than the last, you may decide you like your job after all.
Talk With Your Manager: If after a few weeks you still don’t feel like the job is a good fit, set up a time to talk with your manager. Prepare your talking points by pulling up the job posting, your job description and notes from your interviews. Make a list of what you’re actually doing each day to clearly address discrepancies. Aim to get your manager on the same page as you. Let them know you want to gain a better understanding of what the role truly involves, since your impression was much different. If your manager is interested in what you have to say and wants you to be happy, you may decide to stay.
Look for Other Opportunities: If you decide the job isn’t for you, start your job search again. If you turned down another offer to accept this one, reach out to the hiring manager to see if it’s still available. If you interview with another company and they ask why you’re leaving your job so soon, mention that you didn’t take as much time as you should have to learn about the company and its culture before accepting the position. You realized the role isn’t a good fit and you’re seeking opportunities that value employee engagement and collaboration. Be sure you ask about turnover and company culture. If offered a job, get the description in writing and check employee reviews on Glassdoor.
If your new job isn’t what you expected, give yourself time to adapt. You may decide that things are actually pretty good and you want to stay. If not, you already have momentum and know-how to interview and accept a job offer, which will help you start the process over.
If we can be of assistance in helping you find your next accounting or finance role, please reach out to us. We are here to help.