We've all been the one saying, "Hi, I'm new here" at some point. Some of us more than others. New roles, project team, and companies change more frequently for some than others.
Being the newbie has some benefits. You're largely excused from making meaningful contributions for the first couple of weeks. For most of us, though, we just see the downside. We're anxious to get productive and start contributing--so we don't want to be the newbie for long.
Taking control of your career and seizing the opportunities that come your way requires you to get comfortable with occasionally being in the newbie seat. It also means you must be especially skilled in ramping up fast. Here are some things you can do to go from new to superstar.
Introduce yourself. Keep yourself from sharing your verbal resume. It's annoying and makes it seem like you're auditioning. Just share a couple of data points- name, where you're coming from, and what you're joining the team to do.
Learn everyone's names. Yes, you're at a disadvantage. There may be a dozen of them and one of you. Obviously, it's easier for them to remember you. However, you can level the playing field and learn everyone's names the first time they share- or better yet, do this in advance- so you never have to say, "I'm sorry. Who are you again?" People hate that.
Do something useful. This usually means taking notes because you don't know how to do anything else yet. For the first week, read the room, figuring out what the group is trying to do, and help.
Focus on asking questions rather than spouting what you believe to be profound solutions. Everyone hates a know-it-all, especially one who doesn't know anything. Offering solutions too early can give the impression that you think the team isn't smart or capable. It can be tough to overcome these initial impressions of superiority so it's best just to avoid them. The key to effectively integrating with your new team is respecting the work they've already done and conversations they've had. Ask questions and request background material then actually listen and read it.
Be enthusiastic even if you're not feeling it. This is a great time to practice "fake it 'til you make it." Regardless of how excited you feel, act like it. Your new team wants to know that you're looking forward to joining them because they're bigger or better in some way from wherever you're coming from. After all, that's why you left, right? Show them and tell them you're happy to be there because they're awesome- even if you're second-guessing yourself.
Show up. Attend every meeting you can and ask to sit in the back (temporarily) on anything you think might be helpful in getting context. How fast you go from new to "one of the team" is completely dependent on how much information you can get and absorb. The slower the trickle of news about what's going on, the slower your integration will be. You can't completely control this but you can take every opportunity to learn more.
The fear of the transition holds many people back. Going from knowing everything (or a lot) to knowing nothing creates anxiety, for everyone. If it's particularly acute for you, you've turned down opportunities to avoid this feeling. You rationalize your choice in other ways. Those able to recognize it and push through can more successfully pursue many different paths.