You did it! Congratulations on your new job! You can forget about CV’s, cover letters, interviews and the daunting wait for an offer. Phew!
Now, it’s time to get your head in the space of your new job and employer. We always advise taking some time off in-between jobs to really disconnect and to unwind.
With the first day looming you may be starting to get the jitters. Here are some tips on how to make a great first impression with your new colleagues, manager and clients:
1 – Start your first day right
Have a good night’s sleep, be early, dress to impress & take something shareable, like a cake, to make friends!
2 – Smile
Choose your attitude well. You only get once chance to make a first impression!
3 – Remembering names
You don’t have to memorise them all in the first day or week, but using a colleagues name is much better than ‘mate’ or ‘pal’. Using a name can also strengthen the bond between co-workers.
4 – Take notes
Take a notepad & a pen and make notes on things that you will need to remember and refer back to. There may be too much for you to remember and it’s tiring learning a new job! So, don’t rely on brain power, making notes will cement your learning.
5 – Ask for help
Guessing is a risky game if you don’t 100% know an answer to something. Using your more experienced colleagues, or Manager shows that you aren’t afraid to ask to get the answer right and again builds relationships.
6 – Be proactive
Don’t wait to be given something to do, ask! Ask a colleague if you can tag along for lunch on your first day to get to know the local eateries.
7 – But, don’t over-do it
No one likes a ‘know it all’, or a ‘try hard’. You don’t want to look too desperate! Align yourself with people like yourself and you’ll start to learn the ropes.
8 – Be prepared to stay late
Demonstrate from day one that you are willing to go the extra mile. You don’t want to be the only one shooting out of the door at 5:30 when everyone else is staying to get an important job done!
9 – Understand the rules
Your employment contract will deal with most of the formal stuff i:e hours, work attire etc. But there are the unwritten rules such as tea and coffee rounds, hot food at your desk, social media in work time. You need to suss out these in your first week, and don’t just assume!
It’s also important to understand what’s expected from you by your Manager. What are your objectives in the role. What does excellent, good, average and sus standard performance look like. How are you measured and how often are you reviewed?
10 – Ask for feedback
Ask your Manager & colleagues how they think your first day/week has gone. Also, if there is anything that’s unclear or on your mind talk about it so that you can get the answer and get it resolved.
It can be a scary business starting a new job. But remember, you are the chosen one and you have been selected for a number of reasons and you beat off the competition. Make sure your first week is a good ‘un.