The 7 smartest things I did before starting my job by Ryan Ariano on Aug 29, 2018, 5:06 PM Advertisement
 - Starting a job is an exciting new chapter that furthers your career.
- A career change can be overwhelming, but if you prepare ahead of time, you'll transition into your new position with ease.
- Author Ryan Ariano researched his industry and made a game plan before starting his job, and it helped him get off to a great start.
Starting a new job is like moving to a place you've never been before: It can be scary and exciting at the same time. I've found success in several different industries, but it wasn't until four years ago that I combined my love of travel with my experience working at a talent agency, my marketing skills, and my production knowledge to become an entertainment travel agent. My future boss warned me during the interview that it would take half a year to get up to speed. But using a few tips honed over a life of job-hopping, I got up to speed in about half that time and even earned my first raise in four months. Here are seven of the smartest things I did before starting my new job: SEE ALSO: 7 lessons I never forgot from the best bosses I ever had 1. Know your industry  If you're staying in the same industry, this stage can be a short one: All you have to figure out is your company's identity. For example, in my experience in the talent agency world, I'd seen the difference between the buttoned down A-List blue chip super agency, the A-List "hip" Hollywood agency, the less flashy TV agency, the music agency with film talent, etc. Agents at each house had to reflect their agency's distinct culture, mannerisms, and approach to negotiation. If you're diving into a new industry like I did, there's a lot more homework to do. I made a comprehensive list of hotels culled from every magazine, blog, and travel show I could find. When I had an agent ask for suggestions for a director in Shanghai, I could rattle off the Waldorf and the Mandarin Oriental. And when a VIP asked for suggestions for his five-star vacation, I knew that Palawan, Philippines was the hottest new destination.
2. Know your company  You'd never use a new power tool without reading the directions first. The same goes for starting a new job. Aside from basic conduct rules and the vacation policy, there are procedures and penalties in the company manual that you need to understand. About halfway through my company handbook, I uncovered a travel bonus triggered after a few years at the agency. If you can, try to find an employee list with photos or look up your company on LinkedIn before you start. My new colleagues were flattered by the fact that the new team member already knew who they were.
3. Get some new threads  "Dress to impress" is a classic job tip, and for for good reason: Sharp, well-fitting clothes can make you look and feel more professional. My new office is decidedly more casual than my former talent agency, which meant I had to update my button-down and slacks game and put my suits aside. You don't need to blow a ton of money on a new wardrobe. But my crisp, never-worn dress shirt and slacks gave me a boost of confidence that set the tone from day one.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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