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Making a good impression on your first day at a new job does not need to be as nerve-wracking as you think. As you can expect, as recruiters we often spend a lot of time giving out tips and tricks to our new starters to not only help them to feel more at ease but to also help them put their best foot forward. We have decided to write a blog on the top tips for success on your first day in a new job.
We appreciate that there is a lot of pressure when it comes to starting your new job, especially after what has been a very challenging year.
There are the obvious dos and don’ts when your start a new job; brush your teeth, say “Hello” etc. but we wanted to pull together a list of things that can help you get off to the best start possible.
Getting yourself ready for the big day in advance will not only help limit the frantic rush on your first day but will also help you feel in control. Get your outfit together, pack yourself a notepad & pen and any documentation they’ve asked you to bring – it may even be worth taking the time to read back through the company website and/or your job description to help you get in the zone! Why not pop an email to your new Manager the day before, just to check if there’s anything else you need to bring or prepare. Remember; failing to prepare is preparing to fail!
One of the best ways to make a great first impression is to be personable and build great relationships. Trust us, everybody remembers the person who smiles a lot. It will give the impression that you are not only confident but that you are also happy to be at your new job which is an image that you definitely want to convey. Do your best to try and remember the names and job titles of your new colleagues. It may be worthwhile asking HR if they’ve got an organisation chart that you can have a copy of to help you get to know everyone. Chat to your new colleagues about their roles and their time with the company.
We have all been in situations where we want to ask a question but we do not want to appear like we do not know what is going on, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t ask though! It’s important that you ask plenty of questions to help you get to grips with your new role. Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat themselves or explain things in a little more detail if you’re not sure. Don’t be afraid of looking too eager – they’ll be pleased that you’re keen to learn.
Your new employer will not be expecting you to know the ins and outs of the business the second to step foot in it which means that they will want to sit down with you and answer any questions that you have. It is always better to ask obvious questions sooner rather than later. Be sure to note down any important information in a note pad for you to refer back to – it’s important to be sure that you retain all of the critical information that you’re gleaning.
Ahead of you first day be sure to pull together any references that may be required and also any proof of ID / addresses. All employers need to run necessary checks and it may affect your start date if you turn up without the required documentation. If you are unsure about what you need to bring, email or call the person who has interviewed you and they will point you in the right direction.
Take your first day as an opportunity to map out what your Line Manager’s expectations are for the days, weeks and months ahead. Discuss your induction programme and what your learning and personal development pathways will look like so you’re clear on what’s to come. This is also a great opportunity to build rapport with your line manager and get a better understanding of their management style.
This may sound a little strange at first but it will be useful. If your workplace does not have a uniform then looking at what others wear will help you to keep to the dress code. In many instances you will be told “business casual” or “formal”, this is open to interpretation so seeing what other wear will help to give you some more direction.
You do not want to be that person that turns up dressed inappropriately when you are still a new starter.
Get yourself home at a reasonable time on your first day in order to give yourself time to de-compress and reflect on your day. Your mind will likely be racing with information, so it’s good for you to head home and percolate it all so you’re fresh for day 2! It’s always good practice to re-read through your notes from the day when you’re sat with your feet up at home just to reflect on some of the days learning.
Please get in touch and one of our recruiters will be here to help
