Preparing for your first day at a new job
Firstly, congratulations on your new role!
Starting a new job can be exciting and also nerve wracking. You want to make a good impression so we’ve got a few tips on how you can be prepared and make a great start to the next step in your career.
- Be organized
If you are in person make sure you know when you need to arrive, where to go and how to get there. Don’t neglect to plan your journey to get there in plenty of time. Know what the dress code is – you can always ask your manager or HR, but if in doubt dress professionally.
For remote workers, ensure you know what’s expected of you on your first day, check you’ve got links and invites to any meetings or training. If your new employer hasn’t shared an agenda, get in touch a few days before to make sure you have everything you need.
If you’ve not worked remotely before you should set-up your workspace in advance to make it comfortable. For in-person jobs, bring any equipment and documents you need – especially a pen and notebook!
- Be ready to learn
There will be lots of new information, so go in ready to learn. Be attentive and take notes at all of your meetings. You probably researched the company at interview stage but it’s a good idea to find out as much as you can before you start.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and have ideas but prioritize listening to people, observing and taking everything in during your first few days.
Make sure you get a full understanding of the company, how it works and where your role fits in. If you aren’t assigned a buddy ask your manager if there would be anyone good to connect with.
- Greet your new colleagues
Your first day will probably be very busy but take any opportunity to talk to your new co-workers – even if it’s just a quick ‘hi’ in the kitchen or chat message to introduce yourself. Even if you don’t get a chance to speak to your colleagues, make sure to smile – people will remember!
If you do get the chance to meet people properly then get to know them, ask what they do and how long they’ve been at the company to get the conversation started. It’s worth having an elevator pitch ready to explain what you’ll be doing.
If you can, go to lunch with your team or a few colleagues to get embedded in the team!
- Make a plan for the rest of the week
During your first day you want to understand the expectations for your first week. What does the onboarding process and your schedule look like? What do you need to learn and research to get started? Is there any training you need to do?
- Be positive
Demonstrate energy and enthusiasm, and showcase a positive work ethic. It will help your boss and your co-workers form a good impression. Keep an open mind and be ready to adapt to new or different ways of doing things. Make sure to say thank you to the people who help you too!
If you are feeling nervous or start to get impostor-syndrome, remember that the company has hired you because you can do this job!
Good luck on your first day!
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