11 Tips to Be Successful in Your Newly Created Role

The pandemic has shaken things up for businesses and employees. Organisations are experiencing rapid changes; employees are re-evaluating their careers. Digitalisation has become a critical growth strategy for businesses to thrive as the economy recovers. With this phase comes the need to create key roles in digital transformation or change job requirements within the company. 

Going digital requires technical professionals such as Software and App Developers, UI and UX Specialist, and Data Engineers to build and manage the architecture and tools for the transition. As the Sales sector makes a comeback and e-commerce continues to trend, Business Development Managers and E-Commerce Managers are among the most sought-after. Customer-centric businesses need professionals such as Digital Marketing Specialists and SEO Specialists to engage in digital marketing content and campaigns. 

These roles have already existed even before the pandemic. But likely, some companies are hiring for these positions for the first time. There are also other in-demand jobs in Malaysia, apart from digital roles.

Are you recently hired for one of these newly created roles? Whether this is a fresh start or a transition in your current work, the excitement comes with uneasiness. Starting a new job can be tough; what more if your role has not existed before. But new roles have their advantages. 

Benefits of Taking on a New Role

You learn and relearn

Learning is part of any job. But for a newly created role, learning becomes your job as it is inevitable and consistent in every stage. It calls for exploring and taking in new information, adopting digital transformation skills, and meeting or knowing other people more. You might need a refresher on techniques, systems, and digital tools you have previously used.  

You have more freedom

From what you have learned, you have the freedom to choose the best strategies. You can set the fundamentals for building the role from the ground up. There is autonomy to steer the role in the most effective direction. If you decide that a particular tool is not the best option, you can choose another.

It can feel more rewarding

You might feel that you are starting over again, but the beginning can be an expansion of what you have already accomplished and invested in, especially if this is a new role in the same company. On the other hand, there is fulfilment in making something new that others will adapt and utilise. Every nuance you create and change for this role is a step towards achieving more goals.

How to Succeed in a Newly Created Role

The first few months can be similar to starting any new job. But the path of a newly created role can be more skewed. Remember, you are not just moulding yourself into the role but making the mould that encapsulates the role. Here are specific ways to ensure success in your new role.

1. Use your job description as a point of reference

Although they cover only a part of your new role, your job description can be your starting point in seeing the overview of your job. After all, it was your basis for assessing your job fit and a deciding factor in your application. Considering what is in the job description helps create an outline of your overall responsibilities, the key stakeholders, and required core competencies and tools.

2. Discover the background of your newly created role

The onboarding involves learning about the company, its culture, and its offerings. But it is also crucial to find the main reason and purpose for creating your role. These are some questions you can clarify.

• Is the company expanding or building something new?
• Is your new job part of the company’s digitalisation? If so, how will this new position affect other key roles in the digital transformation? 
• Is the role created because employees have constant overload? 
• What made you the most qualified candidate for this role? 
• How will your role affect the current culture and strategic direction of the business?

3. Discuss with your manager 

Schedule a sit-down with your manager to discuss general objectives, key performance indicators, and mutual expectations. Identify areas that are tentative and still a work-in-progress. Find out how you can work well, such as the preferred working conditions, leadership styles, and team dynamics. Since this is a new position, it is also best to establish procedures for tracking and reporting updates. 

4. Understand the evaluation process

To know how you can achieve success, you need to know how it will be measured and evaluated. Start with what is standard—the performance review. Find out the process, methods and metrics, and how often. While your role may require different criteria, the performance evaluation components can set a pattern. So, you will have pointers to help identify the milestones and outcomes you need to reach for your role.

5. Learn the current systems and workflow

No matter how new your role is, what you plan to build and change should work harmoniously and effectively with the organisational structure and workflow. Study everything that is in front of you. Observe and learn the best practices before trying new things and creating a unique approach. Using the information and resources provided, identify the gaps, and seek supplementary materials.

6. Set up your career goals 

List your goals using the SMART guide (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound). Identify short-term and long-term goals. To ensure they are specific and measurable, you can categorise your goals into process-performance-outcome goals.

• Outcome goals are the results you want to achieve. 

Example: Be proficient in using a new app developing software.

• Process goals are the steps you will take to get your desired outcome. 

Example: Undergo training, enrol in technical courses, watch tutorials, and maximise available resources.

• Performance goals are the criteria you set to determine if you are closer to the outcome.

Example: Test the software on different devices with only 1-2 issues.

7. Build your connections

Be acquainted with internal and external stakeholders. Actual interaction is crucial, so employees know whom they will work with. Know your team and the people you will often coordinate with from other departments. Learn more about their work and gradually collaborate tasks and resources with them. Your role is new, but you are still part of a team.

Understand the organisational chart and hierarchy, so you know the company's go-to person and the big decision-makers. Take advantage of meetings with executives. Express your plans and goals for your position and how they can impact newly created key roles in digital transformation.

8. Leverage on transferable skills

Transferable skills are essential in any role and industry. They make you capable of dealing with any situation. As your role undergoes several changes and progress, you must adapt and be more flexible and agile. Organisational skills will help tackle the new tasks strategically. Challenges are part of any job, so problem-solving skills are a must. 

Although technical, digital transformation skills such as digital marketing, data analytics, and machine learning need to be adopted across different industries as more companies make the shift. Make a checklist of your transferable skills. Research where to train for new skills in digital transformation. Enrol in short courses or take advantage of company training. Draw from your experience in handling difficult conditions.

9. Create and integrate

Now you need to focus more on building the specifics of your role. Set up the systems and procedures and choose the optimal tools. Combine these with your workplace’s best practices, so you will have options on how to get things moving. Expect a ton of back and forth and a long process of building and rebuilding.

10. Develop a realistic go-getter attitude

There are expectations in every role. You might feel pressured to make your mark and achieve results immediately. Stay motivated and passionate, but be mindful and grounded. Determine your strengths and how to overcome weaknesses. It is better to accomplish what you can do now rather than overcommit, compromise the quality, and underperform. Be honest when things are unclear and unfamiliar to you. 

11. Go easy on yourself

Be patient because learning new things takes time. Mistakes are part of the process. There might be times you feel like you are contributing enough. You might doubt your skills. How long it takes to acclimate to a new role can take a few months, a year, or more. What matters is you are giving your best. Track your progress and accomplishments, even small ones. Look forward to the day when things are more certain, and all your work will pay off.

Summary

With additional steps and strategies, it is possible to succeed in your newly created role. There will be lots of learning before you can create and make it your own. But, the process matters as much as the outcome. Take time to know your role. Focus on your goals. Build a strong foundation, and everything will follow through.

Are you more confident about taking on a new role? Create or update your JobStreet profile. #LetsGetToWork and find digital roles you can apply for! Send applications on the go when you download our app at Google Play or App Store. Finally, read our latest articles on Career Advice and use our Career Tools to help prepare your application and plan your career.