No matter how old you are, on your first day at a new job, you feel a little like a kid on the first day at a new school. Will you fit in? Can you get started on the right foot with a whole group of new people who already know each other?
First, remember to enjoy the moment. Starting a new job is the beginning of an adventure. It's a fresh chapter in your career story. So, despite any apprehension or nervousness, try to appreciate the excitement of it. Also, keep in mind that your new coworkers know that you are a new hire and are just starting out, so they don't expect you to already know where everything is and how to use all of the company systems and tools. Feel free to ask questions. It's a great way to break the ice and get to know some of your new teammates.
Here's how you can kick off your new gig on a high note.
Starting out at a new job: the basics
Show up on time. Plan your route to the workspace in advance and even take a trial trip there before your starting date. This way, on the morning of your first day at work, you will know exactly where you are going and how long it takes to get there. On your first day at a new job, you make a first impression on a number of new colleagues, so you don't want to start off with excuses for being late or grumblings about traffic.
Give yourself enough time to arrive before your workday starts, and then go in just a few minutes early. However, there's no point in arriving too early for your first day. You won't have any work to do yet, and your workstation may not even be set up for you. So, it could be awkward as you kill time until they are ready for you. If you have too much of a buffer zone, it's better to take a walk around the block and catch your breath before heading in than to show up too early. But, whatever you do, don't be late.
Look the part (part I). Find out in advance what the company culture and dress code are. Do people wear business casual? Are jeans okay? Is everyone in suits? Then decide how you want to present yourself. When you choose how to dress, you tell the world how you want them to see you. This can be especially important when you are making that all-important first impression. Do you want to be at the formal, professional edge of the dress code spectrum? Are you more creative in your wardrobe choices? Choose an outfit that you will be comfortable wearing on your first day. Something that suits you, you feel good in, and fits within the employer's dress code.
Be prepared. Ask in advance if there is anything that you need to learn or read before starting your new job. Do your homework. Find out if you are expected to bring in your own phone, tablet, or computer or if these will be provided for you. Bring a notebook, pen, and a bottle of water with you on your first day as well. These are just handy to have.
Take it slow. You are going to meet a whole team of new people all at once and have to remember everyone's name and what they do. You will be shown around the workplace and introduced to the organization's software setup, communications tools, and other proprietary equipment. Your first day at a new job can seem overwhelming and exhausting. Don't let the onslaught of information weigh you down. You aren't expected to know everything all at once, so keep calm, take notes, and ask questions.
Pay attention to the culture. Every workplace has its own culture. It's inevitable that certain rituals and ways of interacting will evolve when you place a group of individuals together for long periods of time. Some groups are more social, always having lunch together and chatting about their personal lives. Others are more reserved and focused on discussions about work-related issues. Employees at workplaces all file out together at the end of the workday, while at others, shutting down your computer at 4:59 pm would be frowned upon.
Most of these subtle social cues won't be spelled out in an employee handbook or explained to you directly. Watch for social clues early on at your new gig to adapt yourself to the work style of your new team.
Starting off at your new job: remotely
One of the biggest trends of the past few years has been the rise in remote work. More and more people are joining teams they've never met face-to-face at workplaces they haven't actually visited.
This situation comes with its own unique set of challenges. It can be more difficult to acclimate to the team and workplace culture when you are not immersed in the same physical environment as your colleagues.
Look the part (part II). It might seem like your dress code is irrelevant when you are working from home, but this is not the case. You need to make a positive first impression on your new team members and show them that you are a serious professional contributor. That can be challenging to do when you are in your pajamas. Get up early for work. Shower. Dress as though you were in the office.
Get to know your coworkers. Collaboration will be more difficult if your new coworkers see you as just one more face on a crowded Zoom call. Find out the key people you will be working with in various departments and book a short one-on-one virtual meeting with each to introduce yourself and get to know their challenges and expectations. Take notes during these calls. People appreciate it when you remember details of their conversation – and this is more difficult with people you do not see regularly.
Your colleagues will be more likely to ask you for help, involve you in their projects, and respond to your requests in a timely fashion when they know you as an individual and have spoken with you face-to-face (even virtually.)
Establish boundaries from the outset. Working remotely can be a complicated situation to navigate. Determine your deliverables with your boss right off the bat. Are you expected to be at your keyboard from nine to five, or are you free to set your own schedule as long as your work is completed on time? Will there be regular check-ins and team meetings scheduled, or is it up to you to keep the lines of communications open? Are you on-call for late-night or weekend email or phone queries?
Working remotely comes with some great perks. You don't have to fight the commute to the workplace, and you're instantly at home when your workday is done. However, it can also mean that you are just as instantly at work when needed. Don't let that situation erode your work/life balance. Here's more on setting the boundaries for remote work with your boss.
Whether your new job is in-person or remote, remember to look the part and make a professional first impression. Take notes, ask questions, and get to know your coworkers as much as possible. Don't let the volume of new information you're provided with overwhelm you. Companies know that there is always a learning curve for new employees. You were hired because they believe your skills and abilities will make you a valuable contributor to the team. Believe that too.