Checklist and 21 Tips for Starting a New Job: opening a new position? It’s likely that you already made a fantastic impression on the recruiting managers, but now it’s time to wow the entire team on your first day. People frequently recall first impressions the most.
In fact, 95% of respondents agree that first impressions are crucial. Show your new coworkers that you have all you need to succeed, including a cheerful attitude, to avoid making a bad first impression.
The hardest part of the hiring process has already been completed if you were well-prepared for your interviews, investigated the organization, looked into pay options, and rehearsed salary and signing bonus discussions. But now the real job begins. Preparing for your first day of work is the next stage, and we’ve got you covered here.
For advice on how to ace your first week on the job, check out our infographic or continue reading for a free copy of our starting a new job checklist.
Projects to Finish Before Your Start Date
You must start preparing in advance if you truly want to have an impact on the first day. The night before you start your new job, having a well-rehearsed nightly routine can help you succeed. Before your start date, take care of the following:
- Examine your commute
It’s never enjoyable to take the wrong turn or get lost while traveling, but it’s especially unpleasant on your first day of employment. The night before, do some study on your commute. Determine your method of travel: Do you have gas in your automobile if you’re taking it? Do you have the pass if you’re using the public transportation system? Check your map to see how long it will take you to get there and which roads to take. Work from home Even though you’ll probably only have to travel from your bed to your workplace, check that your email and other logins are functioning properly.
- Arrange your clothing
Your first impression points will also be affected by what you choose to wear. Choose your nicest clothing the day before to prevent scrambling through your closet an hour before your first day to find something to wear. To assist you appear your best, you might need to make a trip to the store if you don’t have the appropriate attire. You’ll feel more confident and perform better at work if you look your best and dress professionally. You never know when it will be too cold in the office, so don’t forget the sweater! work from home Don’t believe you can skip this step and just wear your jammies! You’ll need to have your camera on for introductions for the majority of your initial days at work. Additionally, feeling put together even when at home is beneficial.
- Get Ready to Make the Best Small Talk
Tired of having coffee breaks conversations about the weather? Make sure you have some entertaining and engaging subjects to discuss with your coworkers to prevent always having the same dull conversations. You’ll have to strike up conversation with a number of different people when you start a new job. Your interests, your favorite sports, favorite local hangouts, or even a recent career podcast you listened to are some examples of topics you might discuss. - Choose Your Breakfast.
Don’t overlook breakfast, which is the most significant meal of the day! To avoid having to think about what you’ll make in the morning, be sure to have a plan. Determine whether you need more time to make the food or whether you need to stop at a coffee shop first. Before beginning your first day at your new job, eat a hearty breakfast to give yourself the energy you need to complete any required training. Making meal plans in advance also reduces decision fatigue on your first day. - Fill up your bag
You don’t want to forget to bring a crucial document and make a bad first impression, just as when planning what to dress. Make a list of everything you’ll require on your first day, making sure not to overlook any crucial papers that HR or the hiring manager may have given you. In the section after this one, we’ll go into what to pack. Work from home Although you can work from home, that doesn’t mean you should leave your belongings strewn about the house. Make sure your desk space is stocked with everything you’ll need.
- Set a timer. Even though this step might seem obvious, it’s crucial that you don’t skip it. It is crucial to arrive on time for your first day of work, just like you would for any interview. Setting an alarm (or many alarms) for a fair time that will allow you to get ready and arrive at work on time is important because arriving late might leave a bad first impression.
- What to Bring to Work on Your First Day: Don’t wait until the last minute to pack your work bag or you can overlook something crucial. Before beginning a new work, you should pack the following items: What to bring to work on your first day?Â
- Obtain the necessary paperwork
In some cases, it’s preferable to be too organized and bring extra documents in case you need them to finish the hiring process. See if the hiring manager or HR contact mentioned what to bring in your email. Have your ID, bank account information, and employment credentials ready. You could also read more about 401(k)s so that you are comfortable with it when your employer gives you the paperwork, which would make you even more prepared - Always have a notebook and pen
You will be inundated with information while starting a new job throughout the day. You will be better able to recall everything you learnt on your first day that you could need in the future if you pack a notepad and pen and have it close at hand. If you prefer not to use a pen and paper, you can take notes on your computer or phone. Just be sure to inform your boss that you are typing notes, not texting. Work from home Every time you have a Zoom meeting, you should also have a notebook and a pen on hand, or have your computer’s notes open. - Bring a lunch.
A quick method to eat and take a break at work is to have a packed lunch with you. It’s likely that on your first day, coworkers may invite you to lunch or the office will supply it. In any case, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so bring a lunch from home that you don’t mind eating. Work from home Do not omit this phase. You don’t want to spend a significant amount of your lunch break making food. You’ll save time by preparing a dinner ahead of time. - Choose a Reliable Water Bottle
Water has a lot of advantages, one of which is that it keeps you hydrated, which keeps you alert and productive. You’ll spend less time at the office water fountain if you carry a nice water bottle. Work from home Keep a water bottle close by as well; if you make too many excursions to the kitchen, you can lose concentration on your first day. Do your best to avoid spilling anything on your PC. - Get to Know Your Role
They won’t anticipate you to know everything as a new employee. Instead, over your first few weeks, you will learn a lot. Before your first day, familiarize yourself with your role and the expectations for you. Additionally, be sure to record any inquiries you have regarding the position in writing. By taking initiative, you’ll not only wow your supervisor but you’ll also have an easier time adjusting to your new job and tasks. How to Make a Good First Impression. It’s time to shine now that you have everything prepared, had a restful night’s sleep, and are wearing your best attire. Here’s how to make a great impression and have a fantastic first day at work. - Be on time
Similar to how you would show up early for a job interview, your coworkers will know they can count on you to be there when you say you will. This step shouldn’t be difficult because you scheduled your commute and set an alarm the previous day. Just be sure to provide extra time for travel in case something unforeseen happens. Work from home To be ready for any incoming emails or calls, plan to log in early as well. - Identify Yourself to All
Introducing oneself to coworkers and being proactive can make a fantastic first impression. You can now use the small chat themes you prepared since they are ready to use. Keep in mind to shake hands firmly, smile, and briefly express your excitement to be working with them. - 14. Learn About Your Coworkers – Being an extrovert will make this stage simple for you. Along with making your job more enjoyable, getting to know your coworkers better will help you operate well as a team. Invite them to join you for lunch after asking them about the best lunch restaurants in the area. Work from home Even if it could be awkward to share a video call lunch with your employees, you can still get to know them by finding out where they work or what they like best about working from home.
- Be Focused and Show Interest
Showing that you’re listening and engaged in what you’re learning is important since nobody loves talking to a blank wall. You’ll probably be reading through onboarding paperwork on your first day, so be sure to write down any questions you have or even provide clarifications if necessary. - Keep a Happy Attitude
Avoid letting your anxiety over starting a new job get the better of you by making an effort to remain upbeat all day. When it’s time to depart, be sure to say goodbye to everyone and convey your joy at being there.
What to Do During Your First Week
Making sure the first impression you make on your first day with the organization continues throughout your time there is crucial for a successful career since consistency is crucial. Here are some objectives for your first week:
18. Make a Schedule
You’ll probably start to determine your weekly tasks after your first day on the job. Create a timetable to aid in time management and determine your favorite system for keeping track of your to-dos. A good strategy to accomplish your goals is to learn how to balance your personal and professional lives.
work from home With all the added distractions, managing your time when working from home can be a little more difficult. Put anything that might distract you aside and make this advice your top priority.
19. Offer Assistance
Despite the fact that you will primarily be receiving training, don’t be afraid to offer to assist your coworkers. Since you probably won’t have many jobs to complete on your first day, offering to help will not only enable you to pick up the responsibilities more quickly, but it will also demonstrate your readiness and initiative.
work from home You’ll probably use a wide variety of web tools. Make sure to volunteer to teach a coworker who is just starting at the company how to utilize any software you are proficient with.
20. Always be accessible to your manager
Don’t limit your assistance to only your coworkers; your manager is available to help and is interested in your feedback. Asking inquiries or keeping your management updated can demonstrate your interest in the position and your dependability to them. In order to establish connection and trust with your manager, make sure to pay heed to any instructions they may provide you.
work from home It can be challenging when your manager is not present. If you encounter any difficulties logging in or accessing a certain document, be sure to let them know.
21. Follow Due Dates
One of the most vital things for anyone beginning a new career is demonstrating your ability to fulfill deadlines. A late project submission can reflect poorly on you and demonstrate your unreliability. If you are having trouble meeting deadlines for your projects, talk to your manager about how you might manage your time more effectively. Being on schedule with your project delivery boosts both your and the business’ productivity.
Become more inquisitive
Never be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Everyone is aware that if you are new to a job, you generally don’t know everything about it. Asking questions improves your work output and demonstrates your openness to learning.
Long interviews, salary searches, and bonus negotiations may leave you feeling worn out during the employment process. Your first day of work should be the last thing on your mind because planning and getting ready for it might be stressful.
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