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Setting out to build relationships at work is one important aspect of any new job. To start with, getting to know your immediate colleagues is one way that you will learn about that workplace. The quicker you get to know people, the more information will flow your way. This is true of all situations, even in workplaces where there is a detailed induction (information about a workplace given when you arrive).
Begin with your direct supervisor, if possible. If it hasn’t been done for you already, schedule a meeting with them within your first two days of the new job. If you’re starting a job as part of a large graduate program, this may not be possible, as you will likely be participating in welcome sessions with the other new recruits.
When meeting with your boss, it is a good chance to find out more about how your role fits with the organisation, as well as any immediate things your boss would like to you start work on. This is particularly important for short term or contract work, where the emphasis is on your productivity and work output being high from the beginning.
Your other aim in this meeting with your boss is to find out more about how your boss works…listen to the language he or she uses, what concepts they focus on, how they see this job being done. This will give you some information for beginning to build a relationship with your boss. You do not need to be their friend, but being friendly - whilst being professional - can help.
Some general hints:
