20 Tips for Starting a New Job

Starting a new job is an exciting time. There are many opportunities to learn new things and to make a positive impact on the company. However, there are also some challenges to be aware of. One of the most important things to do when starting a new job is to be present. This means being on time for work, taking breaks when needed, and staying focused while working.

It is also important to make an impression on your coworkers and superiors. This can be done by dressing professionally, speaking confidently, and offering ideas and solutions.

Finally, it is essential to add value to the company. This can be done by being a team player, going above and beyond what is asked, and always striving to improve. By following these tips, you will be sure to shine at your new job.

You must prepare for your first day to crush your new gig. Here are 20 of our top tips to help you accomplish this.

Tips to Have a Great First Day

1. Get familiar with the online res of the company.

This is probably something you have done before, but it’s still a good idea to do it again.

Consume their marketing material to get a better understanding of the company. Visit their blog. Subscribe to their email newsletter. Follow them on social media. Read and download their latest ebooks. This information will provide context.

You’ll also be able, with the benefit of fresh eyes, to contribute new ideas to your first marketing team meetings.

2. Try out your commute.

Test-drive your commute to work before your first day. You will feel more comfortable and less likely to get lost.

In rush hour traffic, make sure you add time! You will be a blessing to your future self.

3. Plan your wardrobe.

Comfortable clothes will make you feel confident. Think about the outfit you will wear on the big day.

Double-check the dress code policy of your company. Is your company more casual or do you have to iron a suit? Plan your wardrobe and give yourself confidence.

4. Social media is a great place to find out more about your new boss.

You can get to know your boss by looking at their LinkedIn profile and Twitter account.

If you are like me, physical notes can be helpful in helping you remember things. Write down some notes about the content they have shared online and their hobbies. This will fuel you for small talk the next day.

5. Read the First 100 Days.

It’s hard to change first impressions so it’s important to quickly make positive contributions. This could be a way to stand out from the crowd by offering new ideas, asking thoughtful questions and providing feedback, leading a project to success or showing your team you are an avid learner.

Our new guide The First 100 Day is now available. This guide will help you make the most out of your first 100 working days. It includes tips from managers and employees as well as tips from companies like Eventbrite and Twitter EMEA & APAC.

6. Your desk accessories should be packed in your bag for the evening.

Do you enjoy taking notes on paper? Are you a coffee-loving person? Do you prefer to have a supply of breath mints at all times?

Consider the things you enjoy having at work, and ensure they are in your bag before your first day. These items will help you feel more at ease at work.

7. Pay close attention to how you move.

How others perceive you and what you perceive of yourself can be affected by your body language. Amy Cuddy, a Harvard Business School social psychologist and professor of power poses, found that “power poses” can make you more confident and seem more confident to others. Before you go to the door, make sure you raise your shoulders, tilt your head up and stand tall.

8. Prep your “introduction speech.”

You will be introduced to your team by your new boss or manager. Although this is informal, it’s important to have a plan of your message.

A few sentences about you and your motivations for joining the team. If you are part of a remote team, make sure to reach out to your coworkers and say hello.

9. Uplevel your small talk.

It is possible to learn more about your coworkers and help them integrate into your team. It makes your job easier and more enjoyable when there is a sense of camaraderie and community among coworkers.

You can plan small talk topics and ask lots of questions like, “How many years have you been with the company?” Or, “Where is your favorite place to eat lunch?” It’s important to be open with your team members.

10. Be sure to check the BYOC policy of your company.

Some employers offer a Bring Your Own Computer policy (BYOC), or Bring Your Own Device Policy (BYOD). This could include tablets, smartphones and laptops. Remote-first companies may require you to have your own laptop or one provided. If you don’t have the HR manual, double-check with your manager.

11. Keep a list of potential mentors.

As you go through your first few days, keep a list of people who might be able to mentor you –ideally someone in your department. Mentors are not only a great re but can also help you achieve your long-term professional goals.

Once you have identified potential candidates, start the conversation by introducing yourself in person or, if remote, sending an email or setting up a video call.

12. Bring your HR/Payroll Paperwork.

You will typically need to complete HR/payroll paperwork as part of the onboarding process. You will be asked to fill out paperwork prior to your start date. Make sure you bring it along with you to your first day. This helps you to present yourself as a well-organized employee and gets the ball rolling.

13. Set your goals for the next thirty days.

Your short-term goals should be as important as your longer-term ones. You will likely spend most of your time in the first 30 days attending trainings, learning new skills, and getting to know your team. You should plan what you want to achieve during this period. Use the SMART method to ensure they are specific and realistic.

14. Create healthy habits.

What habits will help you stick to your new schedule? Perhaps it’s taking a walk each morning to help you be more focused, or prepping your meals for the weekend. It could also be writing a list of things to do when you arrive at work.

Remote workers may have difficulty separating work and family life. It is important to establish healthy routines and habits.

15. Use LinkedIn.

You should feel settled and enjoying your job by the end the first week. You can share the news with your network by updating your LinkedIn profile. Potential recruiters will also be able to see that you are not interested in new jobs.

While you are there, add new members to your team and “follow” the LinkedIn page of your company.

16. Accept the learning curve.

When you start a new job, it’s normal that there will be a steep learning curve. You may feel overwhelmed by the amount of trainings, meetings, and orientation that you have to go through.

Reach out to your manager and coworkers to get answers and help you on the right track. You don’t have to be ashamed of feeling overwhelmed or confused. This shows that you care about your job. It can also be a great way for you to get to know another person.

17. Establish healthy boundaries early.

Remote workers, this is a very important point!

You may find yourself working weekends or early in the first few months. You want to do a great job. It is understandable. Exercising yourself is a bad idea. It is important to establish healthy boundaries for work.

To create a physical barrier between work and home, you might disable Slack notifications at lunch. It’s vital to establish healthy boundaries early on and review them frequently.

18. Pay attention to the company’s culture.

Many companies are looking for people who can fit into their culture. You can now see it in action once you have walked through the door. What is the day like? What positive attitudes are you able to adopt?

You can shape the culture and make a difference by taking on a new role.

19. Keep your manager informed.

Your manager will likely be your supervisor for the first few weeks. Keep the communication lines open during this period.

Tell your manager about what you are doing, any disruptions that could affect your onboarding (such as a scheduled outage of the internet), and if you have questions. You can build trust by keeping your manager informed. This will save you (and your manager!) a lot of confusion.

20. Do not overthink it.

You were hired because of a reason. Don’t get so involved in the preparation for your first day that it causes you to be anxious when you show up. Take the time to unwind and relax the night before your first day. You’re excited to join your new coworkers. All they need is for you to show up and be friendly, confident, and let them know you are there.

Return to You

Congratulations on your new job! Although it’s exciting, you still have to do a great job on your first day. These tips will help you lead confidently and make a good first impression.