The DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN STARTING A NEW JOB

It’s true what they say, first impressions do count so we’ve provided you with some tips to create a positive impact on your first day at work. Showing predisposition, avoiding arrogance and trying to build constructive relationships are the key factors to succeed during the first few months.

DO’S

1. POSITIVE AND CONFIDENT ATTITUDE

A positive attitude and a smile are the best formula to start a new role. It will help you to commence building a good relationship with your colleagues, your peers and leadership. In addition, I also recommend to be genuine and natural, do not try to imitate anyone else because people will recognise your insincerity. Always remember that you will be evaluated not only by your technical skills but also by your attitude so it’s pivotal to be proactive and open minded.

2. DRESS FOR SUCCESS

The way you dress will represent how well you look after yourself and will indicate care factor. If you have the chance, ask your future boss or HR what is the dress code to ensure your not looking like the odd one out on your first day. Depending on the company’s culture they dress more formal or with a sporty/ casual and relax style. LITTLE TIP – you are not able to ask, then check the company’s social media to see the employees’ usual style.

3. IDENTIFY NAMES AND FACES

Getting to know what people do and what are their names and roles will help you better integrate yourself to the team. A good way to do it is by building a floor plan with the names of the people sat around you and familiar yourself the company’s structure. It’s always good to know who’s who in the zoo.

4. BE ENTHUSIASTIC – ASK AS MANY RELEVANT QUESTIONS AS NEEDED

Its better to ask sooner rather than later and make sure you take valid notes, there is nothing more embarrassing (or irritating) than someone asking the same question repeatedly because you haven’t documented what was discussed in the first instance. BIG TIP: Be curious, people will like the fact you are enthused by your work and contributing to team meetings early in the piece.

DON’TS

1. DON’T BE LATE ON YOUR FIRST DAY

It’s always better to be early rather than late, so do your best to arrive on time on the first day at work, it says a lot about you. For example, how responsible you are, and how much you value your job. If you are going to be late – phone (don’t text) ahead to give your reporting manager the heads up.

2. DON’T TRY TO CHANGE THE WAY THE COMPANY WORK

Usually people appreciate new perspectives and opinions. However, it is important not to express your disenchantment from the very beginning. Get to know the way the company works, the reason behind each process and decisions before trying to change things. First listen and learn and then speak. People will be more receptive, and you will avoid building an arrogant image from the onset.

3. DON’T PANIC IF YOU DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE THE FIRST DAY

Usually the first day is a bit overwhelming. You get to know many people, many new names and faces. Also, you will receive a lot of information about your tasks and responsibilities, and in many cases, you have never done it before, or they are different. Hence, do not panic if you feel a little bit lost the first week, you have to be patient, previous studies suggested that people tend to feel comfortable and safe in a new job.

4. DO NOT CRITICIZE YOUR PREVIOUS COMPANY OR BOSS

People that hear that you are criticising your previous boss or job could think that you will do the same thing afterwards and they could not trust you. As a result, try to avoid doing it and try to build a relationship based on trust, it will help you to grow inside the company, people will feel comfortable around you