Starting a new job is always a challenge, but it can be especially difficult when you are transitioning from one administrative support position to another. Whether you are moving to a new company or just changing roles within your current organization, there are certain things you can do to transition smoother for everyone involved. In this blog post, I will provide tips for making the switch to a new administrative support position. Follow these tips and you will be on your way to a successful transition!
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
It’s exciting to get a new job, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Suddenly, you’re in a new environment with new people, timelines, communication styles, and expectations.
It’s normal to feel a little out of your depth at first. Give yourself time to adjust – it may take a little while to get used to the new position. Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to make mistakes.
Remember, they hired you for a reason – because you’re awesome sauce and they believe in you. No one is expecting you to be perfect at your job instantly. In fact, some might enjoy sharing their knowledge with you.
You’ll learn the ropes in no time. Soon you’ll settle into your new role and feel more confident and comfortable.
Get Organized and Develop a System For Your Tasks
When transitioning into a new administrative position, it’s important to focus on getting organized and implementing a system for managing your work tasks.
This can seem daunting at first, but it’s crucial for maintaining your sanity and keeping your workflow running smoothly. I know your first couple of days, weeks, and maybe months feel like you’re drinking from a firehose, but just do your best.
Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true tactics you can use to get started.
First, take some time to assess the existing administrative system (if you have one) and identify areas that need improvement. Then, create a task list for yourself and prioritize the most important items.
Second, after you’ve made your list, review some of your training and readjust. Try to see how your system fits into the organization and your entire role. If it doesn’t “fit” try a different way.
I recommend starting this process as soon as possible because if you start out disorganized, it will feel more overwhelming to reorganize new and old stuff. While you have a little grace time now, use it to “Ms. Frizzle” it. (Yes, I know this reference dates me, but I DON’T CARE! Love your inner Ms. Frizzle!!)
Once you have a good handle on what needs to be done, you can start experimenting with different organizational tactics to find what works best for you. Whether it’s using a physical planner or setting up digital systems, the key is to find a system that helps you stay on top of your work so you can focus on being productive.
Ask Questions and Seek Help
In any new position, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first. There’s so much to learn and so much to do! It can be tempting to try to go it alone, but that’s not always the best approach.
In admin positions, it’s especially important to ask questions. Staying quiet could lead to really devastating consequences like bills not being paid, flights being booked correctly, clients getting incorrect information, or missed deadlines.
Instead, ask questions and seek help when you need it. No one expects you to know everything, and this is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn more about what they do. Not only will you get the information you need, but you’ll also build relationships that will be beneficial down the road.
If you’re the only admin in the position, there’s extra pressure because there’s no one else to catch you if you fall. There’s no backup, which adds to the stress. When you start a new admin job, it’s going to take time to do your tasks quickly, so you might as well do them correctly.
So don’t be afraid to ask for help – it’s a smart way to start your new job.
Find Training Opportunities and Learn Company Procedures and Policies
Whenever you transition to a new administrative support position, it’s important to take advantage of training opportunities and learn as much as you can about the company’s procedures and policies. After all, in admin roles, we are often the executors of company policy.
So, taking the time to familiarize yourself with the company protocol and policy from the beginning will be beneficial. Not only will it help you do your job more effectively, but it will also give you a better understanding of the company as a whole. And that can only be a good thing.
Finding additional training opportunities can also help you become more familiar with company software applications and processes. However, until you get a handle on your role, try to find training classes that can help you in the short term.
When in doubt, ask your manager to help you figure out what training classes would be the most helpful to you in the short term.
Build Relationships and Develop a Support Network
As anyone who has transitioned to a new administrative role knows, it can be difficult to get to know your coworkers and develop relationships with them.
You might be shy, disinterested, or you might have nothing in common with the people you work with. However, it’s important to try to get to know your coworkers and develop a support network. Not only will this make your work life more pleasant, but it can also help you transition into your new role more smoothly. There are a few easy ways to get started.
First, try to find one or two people who you can connect with on a personal level. Maybe you have something in common, like kids, hobbies, or pets. The only way you’ll find out is if you ask and try to create the connection.
Once you’ve found a couple of people you click with, invite them to grab coffee or lunch so you can get to know them better. You can also join an employee resource group or organization related to your interests.
Now, for my remote admins, you can plan to have virtual coffees and lunches too. That could be a thing. I, for one, would love to have a coffee date set up with fellow admins and colleagues. They are easy, and I can make my coffee or tea with the stuff I actually want in it and just hang out.
This is a great way to meet people and learn more about your company and its culture.
Finally, don’t forget the importance of small talk. When you see your coworkers in the hallways or at company events, take a couple of minutes to chat with them about their weekend plans or recent vacations.
Getting to know your coworkers doesn’t have to be difficult. By attempting to connect with the people you work with, you can build relationships that will make your work life more enjoyable and productive.
Stay Positive
When I first transition to a new administrative support position, I am really nervous. I know I have big shoes to fill, and I am scared that I won’t be able to measure up.
But I try to stay positive and just go for it.
Of course, there were definitely some challenging moments along the way. But I tried to laugh at myself when things got tough and just keep moving forward.
And in the end, everything worked out fine.
Being negative and insecure will only make the experience worse, so try to stay positive. We have enough to learn and juggle without judgement, negativity, and self-doubt entering the equation. So, even when you feel like you’re in over your head, just take a deep breath and remember that everyone has to start somewhere.
I believe in you. You got this!
Transitioning to a New Administrative Position Conclusion
Every new job brings with it a transition period – it takes time to get used to the new position, learn the ropes, and establish yourself. The same is true when you make a career change into an admin role. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to adjust, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
Remember:
- Give yourself plenty of time to adjust – it may take a little while before things feel normal.
- Prioritize getting organized and create a system for managing your work tasks. This will help keep you on track and prevent overwhelm.
- Ask questions and seek help when you need it – no one expects you to know everything right away.
- Take advantage of training opportunities and learn as much as you can about the company’s procedures and policies.
- Finally, build relationships with your coworkers and develop a support network. When times are tough, these people will be there to lend a hand.
- Stay positive, even when things get difficult, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself occasionally.
What helped you when you transitioned to your admin role? Share your tips in the comments below!
Feature Photo by fauxels
