12 Tips for a Successful First Day on the Job
Congratulations on your new job! One of the more exciting things in life is getting that call where you find out that you are the chosen candidate for the role, a job you prepared for and prepped yourself well enough for the interview process – now it’s yours! You give your 2 weeks’ notice (or months’ notice), and are gearing up for your very first day at the new job. Excitement, nerves, curiosity – you’re going through it all. Depending on whether you are fully remote, hybrid, or back to being in the office, the first day of your new job is an important one.
Here is a list of a few things you can do to ensure that you have a successful first day on the job:
Get some sleep!
This (along with a few others), seems like common sense, however, nerves/wandering thoughts/social media can keep you up at night, so be sure to get to bed early and be well-rested for your first day.
Make sure you have all the proper documentation that HR will need from you.
This includes your ID, passport, social security card, banking information, etc. Check with your supervisor/HR to see what you’ll need, and make sure to pack everything/email it (if remote/hybrid) on the first day so you can be set up in the system properly.
Grab a coffee (or tea)!
If you’re a coffee-person, and it helps you start your morning, make sure to wake up early enough to have some before you start your day. That, along with breakfast, will help your first morning at your new job. Maybe lunch isn’t until later, but you’re used to eating earlier – plan ahead!
Show up early.
Not TOO early, but get there 10-15 minutes before you’re supposed to be at the office. This can help you collect yourself before starting what will probably be a very busy day.
Dress for the part.
Find out what the dress code is – business casual/professional/jeans, etc. Each company will differ, so make sure you know ahead of time so that you show up dressed appropriately.
Introduce yourself to everyone.
Sounds easy and simple, but you’ll more than likely be meeting a lot of people, so be prepared for introductions and getting to know your colleagues on the very first day.
Stop checking your phone every 3 minutes!
Let’s face it, we’re all used to looking at our phones frequently throughout the day. On your first day, don’t do that. Show your new workplace that you’re ready for the job and eliminate any distractions that may keep you from doing the job you were hired to do. Maybe your company has a cell phone policy or maybe they don’t mind you having your phone out – either way, try not to focus on your phone, rather focus on learning your role and getting to know your colleagues.
Ask questions.
Feel confident enough to realize that you will not know everything on the first day, or even the first week or month. If you do not understand something, ask. We can sometimes be afraid that we’re asking too many questions, but this is how we learn, especially in a new environment, so be sure to ask away. If it helps for you to gather all your questions first and ask at the end of the day, then do that – figure out what works best for you.
Have lunch with your coworkers.
Start off on the right foot with everyone and show interest in getting to know your colleagues. Is there a group lunch order that happens? Do people bring their lunches? Is there a designated lunch time and place where people gather each day? This is your time to socialize with your peers and get to know them.
Be available.
The first couple of days are always busy and sometimes a blur learning everything. If your supervisor/manager adds things to your calendar, accept them and understand that this is part of the onboarding process. You may be pulled in a lot of different directions and meetings, so embrace all of them.
Figure out your commute (or your internet connection).
Will this be the first time you’re going back into the office? Maybe you’re biking, driving, or taking public transportation? Plan ahead! Leave earlier than usual in case there are road blocks/traffic. This first day’s commute will help you determine the best time you should be leaving your house. Or are you remote? Check your internet connection throughout your home to make sure you get a full, working internet connection.
Be YOURSELF!
Show enthusiasm. Get involved. You clearly crushed the interview and are there for a reason – remind your supervisor and colleagues why you were hired by coming in strong and ready to start your new chapter. Enthusiasm goes a long way, and you should be excited for this new opportunity!
Meet the Author
Kevin Haines, CDR
Talent Consultant, Talent Solutions
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