The best tips for starting a new job

Great news, you are starting new job very soon, and what better way to get yourself prepared than with some of our very best tips to ensure you hit the ground running and make the best possible impression from day one.

Starting any new job can be nerve-wracking. You are about to step into the unknown, not just in terms of organisation but social circles, culture, and processes. Usually, the first weeks go by like a whirlwind, but this is also the time where impressions for good or bad will be made upon you.

To give yourself the edge, in this article we break down several steps of starting a new job from ‘before the first day’ through to ‘making that great first impression’ and ‘building strong co-worker relations’.

Within each area, you will find some easy actional tips you can implement either today or whenever you are starting a new job.

Let’s dive right in.

Before your first day

Before you step foot physically or virtually within the organisation, there are a number of things you can do to at least prepare yourself for that first day, ensuring that you focus more on the other parts of this article instead of playing catch-up.

Research the company and industry

With some luck you would have already done extensive research into the company during the interview process, if so then this step should be a breeze.

One of the best ways to prepare for your new job is to research the company in detail as well as the industry it operates in. This will give you a better understanding of the company's values, goals, and competitors.

Start by visiting the company's website and reading about their mission and vision statements. Look for recent news articles or press releases to learn about the company's recent successes or challenges. This research will help you understand the company's priorities and where your role fits within the organisation.

Explore the industry at large, maybe you are already familiar but if not can you up-skill ahead of your first day to make your learning curve here easier?

Learn as much as you can about the company culture

Being fully aware of a company’s culture ahead of your first day will be impossible but you can at least get a head start. Again, you likely would have considered this during the interview process but now explore the company culture with more focus.

Look out for their social media presence, blogs, and reviews provided by current or former employees. This research will equip you with a deeper understanding of the company culture and better prepare you to thrive.

Prepare your equipment set-up

First impressions matter, being fully ready in terms of your equipment setup allows you to be more efficient day one, allowing you to get into the actual workday quicker.

Most companies will discuss with you ahead of time what equipment you would like, they will also have login processes you can complete before the first day, ensure you complete these and ask questions if you run into any difficulties with plenty of warning before the first day.

On top of this, ask the team if there are any specific programmes or tools you need to have set-up for the fist day, or alternatively are there any tools or programming languages you should explore in your own time that will help with onboarding.

Everything you focus on before the first working day should be able ensuring the first day(s) run as smooth as possible. You cannot know everything but by focusing attention to the business, culture and your equipment, it means you can free up mental capacity for the intense amount of information you will receive once officially onboarded.

Making that great first impression

Let’s turn our attention now to the first days in your new job, and more specifically how you can make that great first impression.

Arrive early and well-prepared

Showing up early on your first day shows that you are eager and ready to start your new role. But arriving early is not just about punctuality; it also gives you time to get organised and settled in before the day officially begins. Take some time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings and locate important areas such as the toilets, your desk (if you know), and break room. This will help you feel more at ease and less flustered as you go about your day.

In addition to arriving early, make sure you are well-prepared for the day ahead. Bring a notepad and pen to take notes, and any other materials or equipment that you may need. This will help you feel more confident and in control and will also show that you are proactive and prepared.

If you are starting remotely, sign into your workplace with enough time and ensure your home equipment has been checked, mostly sound and video.

Dress appropriately for the workplace

Dressing appropriately for your new workplace is essential for making a good first impression. But what does "appropriate" mean? It can vary depending on the company culture and the nature of the job. For example, if you are starting a job in a corporate firm, you may be expected to wear a suit and tie. However, if you are starting a job in a young start-up, you may be able to dress more casually.

During your research phase you would have identified the company culture to some level, any questions simply ask ahead of time.

Introduce yourself with confidence

Stepping into an unknown environment can be intimidating, but it is important to introduce yourself confidently to make that good first impression. Smile and make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake if appropriate. When introducing yourself, keep it brief and to the point. Mention your name, your role, and perhaps one or two interesting facts about yourself.

Remember that first impressions are not just about what you say, but also how you say it. Speak clearly and confidently and try to convey enthusiasm and positivity. Be open and friendly, show an interest in getting to know your new colleagues.

The first impression really can be a make or break in how some people view you. The vast majority of people can have an opinion change over time, but we want to start with a bang, so remember to be yourself, stay positive, and stay open to learning and growing in your new environment.

Building relationships with co-workers

Building strong relationships with your co-workers is essential for a productive and enjoyable working environment. Not only does it make the workday more pleasant, but it can also lead to career opportunities down the line. Knowing this, we want to ensure we get to know as many people as possible over the first few weeks in any new job and here is how you can do just that.

Be approachable and open to conversations

One of the easiest ways to build relationships with your co-workers is to be approachable and open to conversations. When you're new to a workplace, it can be intimidating to strike up a conversation with someone you don't know. By being friendly and approachable, you can make it easier for others to approach you. This can lead to new friendships and valuable connections.

It's important to remember that building relationships takes time. Don't be discouraged if you don't make a new friend on your first day. Keep an open mind and be patient.

Attend social events and team-building activities

Social events and team-building activities are great opportunities to get to know your co-workers outside of the office environment. These events can range from happy hours to company picnics to volunteer events. By attending these events, you can establish bonds that can then be encouraged back in the work place.

Networking in a workplace setting may sometimes help open doors to future career opportunities as well. You never know who you might meet at a company event that could help you in your career down the line.

Offer help and support to your colleagues

One of the best ways to build relationships with your co-workers is to offer help and support. If you notice a co-worker struggling with a task, offer to help them out. If someone is having a bad day, take a few minutes to chat with them and offer some words of encouragement.

By taking an extra step to make someone's workday a little better, you can make a significant impact not only on the team but on the workplace culture as well. Your colleagues will appreciate your kindness and be more likely to return the favour in the future.

Learning and adapting to your new role

No doubt with the start of any new job you set out to accomplish as much as possible in record time, showing the company exactly why they hired you. However, securing the job long-term is not just about accomplishments, trying to take on too much might have a negative impact on how the business views you, so instead you need to learn and adapt to your new role.

Set realistic expectations for yourself

The key word here is realistic. Don't expect to learn everything in one day or to be an expert in your field right away. Give yourself time to adjust and take things one step at a time. It's better to accomplish small goals and build upon them than to set unrealistic expectations and risk burnout.

Remember that everyone was new at some point, and it's okay to make mistakes. Your team understands that you're still learning, and they will appreciate your effort to improve and grow.

Ask questions and seek guidance

Not sure of something? Simply ask. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or guidance when you need it. Your team wants you to succeed and will be happy to provide support whenever necessary.

Moreover, seeking guidance from your colleagues or mentor can help you understand the company culture, expectations, and goals. It can also help you build relationships and feel more connected to your team.

Manage your time effectively

Effective time management skills are crucial not just when you start a new job but throughout your career. Establish a routine and prioritise your tasks before offering wider support (too much to do might result in nothing getting done). You can create a to-do list, use an organisation tool, or set reminders to help you manage your workload.

Staying organised will help you feel less stressed, more in control, and allow you to contribute more to establishing yourself as a reliable and productive employee. It can also help you identify areas where you need to improve and adjust your approach accordingly.

Starting a new job is a challenge. But with the right mindset, tools, and determination you can transition into your new role with ease. Manage your expectations, be proactive, and focus on building relationships and adapting to your new environment. Utilise the tips we've provided, along with a positive attitude, will help you build a successful and fulfilling career at your new company. Good luck from everyone at Peritus Partners!

Peritus Partners is a next generation recruitment team that focuses on blending education, business and community together. Interested to see how we can help find the best talent for your team or interested in finding a new job? Reach out today 😎