Starting a new job? Seven ways to calm your nerves and grow in your career

In a recent Monster poll, 87% of job candidates said they experienced “new job jitters” like feelings of nervousness or anxiety when starting or transitioning to a new job.  

“These jitters are so bad that about 1 in 2 said starting a new job is scarier than a performance review, visiting the dentist, holding a spider or snake, or even skydiving,” according to the Monster article. 

Whether you’re in the job search phase, just starting your first job, or you’re switching career paths, here are seven ways to overcome the new job jitters from the team at Making Waves Education Foundation. 

Remember, you belong!

Starting something new can feel exciting and intimidating, but remember you belong there! Imposter syndrome is real AND you deserve to be there! The company hired you for a reason – prove that they made a good decision. And when you’re having moments of doubt, lean on your community.

Set 30-60-90-day goals to win at work and settle into your new life

It’s easy to feel scattered when everything is new. Creating short-term goals helps you focus your energy, find your daily rhythm, and start living the life you want – professionally and personally. A simple 30-60-90-day plan gives structure to that process by helping you align with your manager, track your progress, and create regular checkpoints to get feedback. 

30 days – learn and explore  

• Get clear with your manager on what success looks like. Spend time understanding the organization’s goals, strategy, values, team dynamics, and tools. Personally, use this time to explore your neighborhood or recommit to small habits that help you feel grounded. 

60 days – contribute and connect 

• Start taking on meaningful tasks or a small project, asking for feedback, and collaborating with teammates proactively. Outside of work, lean into routines that help you build connection – whether that’s spending time with people you trust, joining a local club, or making time to catch up with friends and family.

90 days – own and reflect 

• Now you’re positioned to take ownership in your role! Revisit your goals with your manager and align on how to grow and make long-term impact. Reflect on what’s helping you thrive and set an intention for how you want to grow next, both at and beyond work. 

Shadow early and pair it with a conversation 

One of the most impactful ways to gain clarity about your career path is to shadow professionals currently working in the roles you’re aspiring toward.

Ideally, shadow at least two individuals in similar roles – this gives you a chance to compare their workflows, team dynamics, and how their responsibilities play out in real time. But don’t stop at observation. Pair your shadowing experience with an informational interview to dive deeper.

Ask them questions like:  

• What led you to this career?  

• What do you love most about your work?  

• What challenges you?  

• What keeps you going on tough days?  

• And what advice would you give someone just starting out? 

These conversations can surface insights you won’t find in job descriptions – personal stories, unspoken realities, and industry wisdom that help you better assess whether this is truly the path for you. Sometimes, you’ll walk away more affirmed than ever. Other times, you’ll realize your vision needs adjusting – which is just as valuable. Either way, this process builds your confidence, informs your direction, and opens your eyes to both the possibilities and realities of your field. 

Give yourself grace as you adjust to transitions 

The post-grad period can be difficult to adjust to, and it can be daunting thinking about what to do next. Your friends and peers may be on very different timelines. Some may be living at home or moving to a new city. Some may be applying to jobs, and some may be navigating their first one. 

Everyone has different paces to adjusting after graduating so be kind to yourself and others in this transition period.

Take some time to reconnect with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while. Find a hobby or learn a new skill online through YouTube or classes. You can always reach out to your Career Coaches at Making Waves regarding post-college transitions and job searches. 

Invest in relationships and connecting with your new colleagues 

Invest in relationships, especially in the first 30 days. (People remember their first impressions!) Be proactive about connecting with people and welcoming them to get to know you.  

This could look like: 

• Prepare a short introduction: name, new title, and a couple things about you that invite conversation. 

• If you have an office door or designated desk, make a sign that invites colleagues to introduce themselves.  

• Ask your manager who you’ll be working closely with and set up a 30-minute coffee, walk, or Zoom with them. When you connect, ask them about their professional trajectory, how their role connects to yours, and what gives them energy outside of work. Take mental notes and follow up on those things later.  

• If you work in an office, make a habit of taking a walk around the office to connect with others – you might be surprised at what comes up!  

• Take lunch breaks and intentionally sit with new people. 

Lean into curiosity and learning on the job 

It is ok if you don’t know everything or have all the answers right away. Stay curious, research on your own, ask questions, and know it’s ok to learn by doing and to ask for more guidance. Here are some starter questions you could ask peers or teammates to learn about their approach and what works well: 

• Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew when you started working here? 

• What are some projects you’re really proud of? 

• What has worked well for you when working with other teams? 

• How have you approached learning on the job and using professional development resources? 

• Is there anyone else you’d recommend I meet during my onboarding? 

Observe and reflect on what works well for team members at different levels of the organization as you form your own style of learning and collaborating. Be open to feedback, keep learning and growing, and know it takes some time to get more comfortable and knowledgeable in a new role. 

Be proactive 

Being proactive will make you valuable to your team – try to predict what your team needs, proactively problem solve, ask the questions, and make the connections.