Starting a new job can be scary- especially if you haven’t started a new job for years. It can be a lot of pressure to make a stand-out first impression for all of the coworkers you will be meeting, but with some easy tips, your first few months will be a breeze. Be sure you’re prepared to take on a new workplace by following these steps.
Do your research
If you walk in on your first day prepared with additional questions and knowledge on your new job, your boss will be beyond impressed. A U.S. News article suggests that you follow executives on social media and learn as much as possible about the company and how everything runs. Another way to get off on the right foot is by asking your soon-to-be boss if there is anything you can prepare for prior to your first day. Not only will this leave a great impression, you will be a more prepared and informed worker on your first day.
Arrive and leave on time
Sometimes the little things make all the difference. You may not realize it, but your boss will if you are getting to work at 9:10 a.m. and leaving at 4:55 p.m. According to a Business News Daily article, arriving early to work allows time to prepare for the day, and it is an easy way to make a good impression. Starting a new job with positive habits creates more of a chance the habits will continue on.
Ask questions
This can’t be stressed enough. You won’t know everything about your new company for a while, and nobody expects you to. By asking questions, all employees around you recognize your curiosity and ability to think critically. Not only does asking informed questions actually make you look smarter, it will actually help you complete your work faster than if you tried to self-teach at the beginning. It also shows your boss you care and want to learn as much as possible.
Dress for success
Most companies have a dress code, which will help guide you in how to dress on your first day at work. Even if the dress code for the company is relaxed, dress on the nicer end. As the old saying goes, “dress for the job you want.” Since you will be meeting a lot of new people, presenting yourself in a clean-cut, professional way will help assert your authority in an unfamiliar workplace.
Get involved
From day one in a new position, you should make an effort to get involved at the company. Join committees, attend happy hours or help out with an after-hours project. This shows you care about the company and your peers at work. If you can build relationships beyond just day-to-day tasks, you will be able to cultivate a fun, productive environment at work.
Getting a head start and making a good first impression at a new job is important and can be the difference between a promotion and a raise in the future. Be aware of how you are presenting yourself in the workplace, and you will have success in creating an awesome image.
If you are looking for a new career, check out these tips on how to discreetly conduct your job search while you’re still employed.
