So you got the job, congratulations! Now, you are getting ready for your first day and it hits you…butterflies in the stomach, maybe some nausea and dizziness : “Will I they like me? Will I fit in?” When you’re a Latin@ in Indiana, you’re an outsider as soon as you walk in the door. There are at least 11 assumptions people make about you before you even open your mouth based on how you look, dress, your posture, shade of skin, well….you know this already. By the time you’re looking for a job, you have experienced what it is to live in a bilingual, bicultural world. Use that!
One of the benefits of being bilingual (or multilingual) is the fact that you can transform in an instant. Your brain has created synapses that will access information in the the appropriate language in an unmeasurable span of time. That is also true for being able to assess a situation and morph into what is appropriate for the moment. So, when you feel like an outsider and want “in” the group dynamic, here is what I recommend
TOP 10 TIPS ON HOW TO GO FROM AN OUTSIDER TO AN INSIDER
1. Volunteer – If the boss wants some one to cover a shift-let people know you are a team player. If a group is being formed for a cause, this is your chance to socialize and let them see a different side of you.
2. Positive attitude – You don’t have to be a cheerleader all the time in order to be cheerful, but you can always try to find the positive and stay focused on that. Don’t bring your problems to work, just as you shouldn’t bring your work home, leave them at the door.
3. Find the common denominator – Try to relate to each team member in a personal way. Hobbies, family, places are some of those common denominators where you can connect. Even though these are strong connections, you should avoid religion and politics, at least for a while.
4. Share – Don’t be afraid to share some of who you are beyond work. Knitting club, rowing club, salsa dancing, recent break up, death of a parent. It’s ok to be a person with experiences and emotions, this is where you make deep connections.
5. Be on time – Arrive before your scheduled time and leave after your scheduled time. You’ll get the respect of the early risers, and get to know the ones that like to stay after everyone else is gone. Sometimes that’s when the best connections happen.
6. Give them a chance to help you – Let people teach you, not only train you on your job, but also about work culture and hierarchy. It’s ok to ask questions about how the people you will be working with like to communicate, for instance.
7. Become an expert – Once you’ve learned your job, make sure you also learn enough about other people’s jobs to be self sufficient or help as a back up when needed.
8. Bring treats – Everyone loves a guilty pleasure during the workday! If you can, deliver them personally in order to make the connection. Make sure to find out if coworkers have allergies or food preferences and remember them for the next time.
9. Be thankful – Please and thank you go a long waaaaayyyyyy!!!
10. Have your 30 second elevator speech ready – Or hallway speech – this is the 30 seconds you get when you meet a member of senior management in the break room, the hallway, bathroom (that may be awkward, but why not!). Male sure you have something prepared that is direct, cons ice and says something about you that they’ll remember.