Even if it doesn't look like it, your boss is watching you like a hawk. Here's what they're looking out for and how you can set their mind at ease.

A new job means new co-workers, new tasks, new boss, and a new set of skills. As nervous as you are, your boss is worried too. After all, the company just entrusted the future success of the company into one person.

These are the 4 things your boss is most worried about and what you can do to set her mind at ease.

1. Are you getting it?

Your boss is worried that you’re drowning in all the newness of everything. Of course, they hired you because you were the best candidate after interviewing lots of other potential candidates. But that was just one or two face-to-face meetings, each about an hour long.

But there remains some doubt in the mind of your new boss (maybe due to past disappointments or horror stories heard in the manager lounge) about your ability. So, your boss is wondering whether or not you’re responding positively to training., whether you’re learning new concepts easily, whether you are able to ask for help, and admit and learn from mistakes - or are you under stimulated, bored and about to leave after your first pay cheque?

How to show your boss you're okay:

All you have to do is put in a little effort and try to stay on top of things. Ask for feedback regularly, do not be afraid of making mistakes (as long as you learn from them), and be upfront if you’d like to go over something again. The worst thing you could ever do is continue in doubt.

2. Do you have enough work?

Your boss does not yet know how much you can handle. While he doesn’t want to overwhelm you, there are always plenty of projects on the side-burner that could use some attention too. While he wants to be sure that you’re properly challenged (and not bored), he doesn’t want you to overwork yourself either.

It is common for new employees to not speak up. As the baby of the team, you might feel you need to be agreeable, adaptive, and hardworking. Your boss knows this and therefore worries that you’ll ride whatever wave they throw at you, even if it’s too big or too small.

How to show your boss you're okay:

Tell her. Don’t be scared. If you feel like you’re drowning, ask your boss to clarify your list of priorities. If you’re bored, ask for a little more responsibility or if you’ve seen something that can be improved, take initiative and make it your mission to get the ball rolling on it - but be sure you aren’t stepping on any toes.

If that’s too easily said than done, keep your boss in the loop of what you’ve done and what you’re working on. This way she’ll know exactly what’s on your plate and whether or not you’re working on the right tasks.

3. Are you getting on well with your co-workers?

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. And just because you said you’re great in a team in the interview doesn’t mean that you are or that you will be for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for the rest of the first month.

Managers do want their teams to get along well. They want a group to be comfortable enough to ask questions, share ideas, and offer help.

How to show your boss it's okay:

You should make an effort to get to know your colleagues better. While it’s not necessary to be besties with every person in the office, having a civil relationship with all of them is important. You should go with for drinks after work, and say yes to lunch invitations.

Ask for help, share your knowledge, and keep a positive attitude. If you work well in the team, your co-workers will soon sing your praises. And that’s when your boss will hear the singing too.

4. Are you really who you said you are in the interviews?

Your boss is mainly concerned about whether or not you’ll help or hinder the team’s efficiency and productivity. Yes, newcomers are supposed to go through training and ask lots of questions and are easily forgiven for minor slip ups during their first month, but your boss will still be able to judge whether or not you’ll be a long term asset or liability.

That’s why the recruitment process and every interview is important. Your boss needs to know as much about you as possible in a short time. That’s why you are asked about your weaknesses, your previous experiences and are likely thrown a few curveball questions: to determine how you’ll gel with the business’s ecosystem.

How to show your boss it's okay:

Be yourself and do your best. In your first month your boss wants to see that you’re trying, and that you’re willing. Find opportunities to show off your strengths, and collaborate with colleagues that can help develop your weaknesses. (If you didn’t lie, then there won’t be a problem.)

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