Congratulations! Tomorrow is the first day of your new job at a new company.Feeling nervous? Are you going to fit in? Is this the right job for you? Do you have the right skills?Whether you're a fresh-faced graduate, a seasoned professional stepping into a new role, or someone returning to work after a hiatus, your first day marks a significant milestone. But fear not, we’ve packed this blog with 30 essential tips covering everything from nailing workplace etiquette to deciphering the dress code, navigating new company cultures, and even addressing the unique needs of remote workers and international professionals.So, take a deep breath, relax, and let's embark on this journey to ensure your first day is nothing short of a success, no matter where you are in your career.
The first few weeks in a new role can be challenging and full of confusion, particularly when navigating onboarding and probation. From meeting new colleagues and learning new tasks, to dealing with information overload and fitting in with a new team, these early days are often critical to the long-term success on the job, so it’s important to start on the right foot.Research shows that up to 20% of employee turnover in Australia occurs within the first 45 days of employment, highlighting the importance of nailing to first 30 days of a new job.Common challenges faced when starting a new job can be:Making a good first impressionFitting in with a new teamFeeling overwhelmed with all new informationNavigating an unfamiliar environmentCultural adjustments (particularly for international workers)Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half and workplace expert says, “Being aware of these challenges as a new hire will help you put your best foot forward when you start. It is normal to come up against these barriers – that doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong – it just means you can expect these challenges and can plan accordingly. The best new starters are the ones that take it in their stride and listen to the answers given.”
It is perfectly normal to feel anxious, after all, it’s in the first 30 days in a new job (often your probationary period), where you rapidly need to learn the ropes and ensure you make the right first impression.Follow these 30 top tips for your first day at work to ensure you are set you up for success and help you create a positive impression with your manager and co-workers.
The night before your first day, make sure you work out your timings for the following day. Plan what you will wear and lay it out ready. You should also decide what you will need to take with you, such as a notebook, pen and money for lunch. Also prepare how you will get to work by factoring in traffic if you are going to drive and timetables if you catch public transport.
Showing up to work while still half asleep will not only affect your performance, but can also inadvertently demonstrate a lack of interest. Sleep deprivation also affects everything from memory to blood pressure. It’s important you get a good night’s sleep so you can be at your best on your first day at work.
You will have dressed impeccably for your interview and gained an insight into what the company dress code is. Don’t let yourself down by not making an effort now. If you are unsure about the dress code, be conservative and dress smartly. This shouldn’t just be on your first day, but every day. You won’t get another chance at creating a positive first impression.
On your first day, arrive early, be polite and courteous - good manners go a long way.
Someone will have taken the time to put together an in-depth induction program to help any new starter integrate into their new role. Make sure you actively take part in the program, ask questions, complete the training exercises and absorb all the knowledge being given to you. It may feel overwhelming but break everything down into bitesize chunks and take lots of notes to refer to later. Remember, no-one is expecting you to be an expert on day one, but they do want to see you trying to understand how everything is done.Related:What you need to know about probation
Hopefully the induction process will allow you to set goals for the next 30/60/90 days. If it doesn’t, be proactive and ask your manager if you can have a meeting to implement a plan for the next few weeks. Having a plan for your first 30 days in a new job for example, will allow you to understand what your manager’s expectations are and what you need to focus on.
Setting realistic goals is only half the plan. You need to arrange to meet regularly with your manager so that you can review the goals you initially set, discuss if you are meeting expectations and allow you and your line manager to feedback on your performance.
Meeting new people can be extremely daunting, but remember, they were all newcomers to the office once, so they know exactly how you are feeling. They will be there for you so say hello and get to know them. Go to lunch if invited and chat in the kitchen, as these are great opportunities to help understand the office rhythms and nuances.
Office politics happens and can often be hard to avoid, but do your best not to get caught up in them. If anybody tries to engage you in a non-professional conversation about somebody else, avoid the conversation.
You will meet a lot of people during your first 30 days in a new job, so prepare your 60-second “pitch” of who you are, where you came from and what your new role is. You will probably repeat yourself a lot, so it will help you to simplify what to say.Related: Key tips for starting a new job
You will be on your best behaviour, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be yourself. Part of getting to know people is letting them know who you are. Be true to your values and be honest, even if that sets you apart.
There is no such thing as a “stupid” question. Your manager would rather you ask the question than misunderstand and complete a task wrong or pick up bad habits. Be mindful that the person sharing knowledge with you is probably extremely busy, so if you think of a question but can see that they have a lot on their plate, write it down so you can ask when the time is right.
You may have questions that you don’t feel you should bother your manager with, such as “Where is good spot for lunch?” This is a chance to cultivate relationships in the office with an open question to friendly staff who may be able to help.
Everything is going to be new to you, so you need to take time to get used to internal systems and processes. Don’t try to follow the old practices from your previous company. Be flexible to your new surroundings and the more open-minded you are and the more questions you ask, the easier and quicker it will be for you to settle in.
The number of things you need to learn can feel overwhelming, so revisit the goals you set with your manager, check the timeline for when you are supposed to have completed a task/training topic and prioritise accordingly. Make a to-do list and keep updating it. If in doubt, ask for clarification.
The first 30 days in a new job is not the time to challenge the way in which things are currently being done. You may disagree with the way a process is currently operating. Or you may not properly understand why it is being run that way. However, use this first month to observe, absorb and understand. You need to be work on gaining people’s trust and confidence in your abilities so that you can then challenge the norm at a later point, if you still disagree.
In your first month, you will have to work extra hard to ensure your work is impeccable. Double check and triple check all your work to spot any errors. Mistakes will happen, but ensuring your work is to a high standard will ensure you create a great impression.
It’s a fact that everyone learns by making mistakes. Your employer will anticipate that you will make a few errors, particularly when you first start. Remember though that it is what you do once you have made the mistake that makes the difference. Respect will be gained if you own up to making a faux-pas immediately and if you show you understand what went wrong and what you need to do to fix it.
Being passionate about the company and your role is a sure-fire way to ensure you earn your colleagues respect. Understand the needs of your team and help where you can. You may not be able to fully help, but by demonstrating that you care and are making the effort, it will show that you are a team player.
Exhibit the right amount of enthusiasm with an upbeat, can-do attitude and people will be quicker to warm to you.Related:How to plan your career
You need to be able to justify yourself as being the right hire, so identify any opportunities where you can quickly make an impact. Plan how you can make that impact visible, decide if it’s in-line with the company objectives and whether you have the right skills to complete the task.
This first month is the time to get to know your manager and how they operate as a leader. Learn about their approach to the business and how they strive for excellence.
Though the lines of authority are often quite straightforward, there may be instances in which other stakeholders are invested in your team’s work. Observe, listen and make a mental note of who answers to which team members.
You were hired above all others because you have the skills and experience that this company wanted and there were probably other skills you demonstrated that were not on the job description. Don’t let being the “newbie” diminish your skills and personality.
Turn up to work ten minutes early and leave a few minutes late at the end of the day. Don’t rush out the door as the minute hand ticks over to 5.00pm. Use the extra time wisely though to invest in learning - don’t just waste this time.Related:How to plan your career progression
Take 30 minutes every day to reflect; 15 minutes in the morning to plan for the day ahead and 15 minutes at the end of the day to reflect on how you got there and what you didn’t manage to complete. This will help to organise your mind and your workload.
Your company may have assigned you a “buddy” or your manager may be responsible for being your mentor. If you don’t have one though, find one. Successful people can find a mentor that can guide them through the trials and tribulations of the first 30 days in a new job. When you have a mentor, make the most of their time and generosity, whilst absorbing their knowledge and experience.
The first month at a new job can be hard. You may feel like you’ll never learn it all. You may cringe at not having all the answers. You may make mistakes. You may have less confidence. This is perfectly normal though. Having friends and family that you can offload to when you get home will help you keep everything in perspective, so you can stay focussed at work.
After a long day at work, it’s important to give yourself some time to rest, so you’re ready for tomorrow. But how do you expect to unwind if you’re constantly checking your work emails via your mobile, or if you’re glued to social media? Turn your mobile phone off whenever possible, or even better, keep it in your bag so it is out of sight and not a distraction.
Starting a new job, where you have a new environment to adapt to, new colleagues to get to know and new things to learn can be exhausting. Remember to take a breather, relax and step away from it all. Don’t plan too much in your personal life during the first 30 days in a new job, giving you the necessary time to rest and regroup.
The first day at work when you are working remotely usually does not produce the traditional challenges starting a new job in an office can. For this reason, preparing before you start is just as important as working the first 30 days.Before day one, make sure your computer, internet connection, software and any company-issues equipment are all set up and running smoothly. In order to guarantee productivity, treat your home like an office, so designate a quiet, dedicated workspace free from distractions for you to complete your work. Even if nobody sees you, getting dressed in work-appropriate attire can help you get into the right mindset and will present you well during the first calls with your team. If you are client facing, dressing professionally is essential. Finally, discuss preferred communication channels (email, Slack, video calls) and response times with your manager so you are clear on communication expectations.On your first day, log in on time for any scheduled meetings or training sessions. Reach out to your team members and manager to say hello and express your excitement about starting this new job. Communication is the most important skill when working with a decentralised team, so don't hesitate to ask for clarification on anything you're unsure about. It's better to ask than to make assumptions and allows you to get the information you need without the advantage of swivelling your chair and asking over your shoulder. On the same token, engage in virtual meetings, ask questions, and share your thoughts when appropriate. And finally, if your company has any virtual social events (coffee chats, happy hours), try to attend to get to know your colleagues informally.Remember, the first day is just the beginning. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to the new role and remote work environment. Building relationships and establishing routines will take time, but with a proactive approach and a positive attitude, you'll be well on your way to success while working remotely.
After your first month (or probation period), proactively schedule a check-in meeting with your manager. Use this as an opportunity to express your gratitude for their support, share your excitement about the role, and highlight your early contributions.This is also a good chance for you to briefly summarise what you've learned, any challenges you've faced, and how you've addressed them. It is at this point you can ask for feedback on your performance and seek guidance on areas where you can continue to grow. While it will help you answer any outstanding questions, it will also demonstrate your initiative, a willingness to learn, and your commitment to succeed within the company. Remember, consistent communication is key to building a strong working relationship with your manager, especially in a remote setting.The first 30 days in a new job is the time when the company will make allowances and invest a lot of training time in you - you do not get that time again. Use it wisely and make it count!
If the job is remote, what specific questions should I ask about IT support and equipment setup?Will the company provide a laptop, monitor, and other necessary equipment? If so, what are the specifications, and when can I expect to receive them?What software programs or subscriptions are essential for my role? Will the company provide licenses or reimbursement for them?Does the company offer any reimbursement for internet costs incurred while working from home? If so, what is the process for claiming reimbursement?How do I access technical support if I encounter issues with my equipment or software? Is there a dedicated help desk or specific contact person? What are their hours of operation?Are there specific security measures I need to follow while working remotely, such as using a VPN or specific antivirus software?How can I find out more about my manager's leadership style to better prepare for communication?To understand your manager's leadership style, start by observing their communication patterns. How do they give feedback? Do they prefer concise emails, detailed reports, or face-to-face discussions? Are they direct or more collaborative?Consider their decision-making process. Are they decisive or do they seek input from the team? This will help you tailor your communication approach.Don't hesitate to ask colleagues for insights. Those who have worked with your manager before can often provide valuable clues about their preferred communication style and expectations.Is it appropriate to reach out to future colleagues beforehand to introduce myself?Absolutely! Reaching out to future colleagues before your first day can be a great way to break the ice, express your enthusiasm about joining the team, and set a positive tone. Keep your message brief and professional, focusing on introducing yourself, your role, and your excitement about the opportunity. A simple email or a message on the company's communication platform (if you have access) is usually sufficient.What techniques can I use to effectively take notes during the onboarding process?Take digital notes so you can so quick searches and organise them easilyUse bullet points and summariesInclude screenshots and snippets to accompany the writingCategorise and label by topics or dateWhat are some safe and engaging conversation starters for getting to know colleagues?"I'd love to hear more about your role here. What are some projects you're excited about?""Have you tried that new coffee shop down the street? I've heard great things!" (If in-person) or "Did you catch the [sporting event/TV show] last night?""What made you decide to join [company name]?" or "How long have you been working remotely?""What's your go-to work-from-home playlist?" or "If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be?""I'm still getting the hang of [tool/process]. Do you have any tips?" or "If you ever need a second pair of eyes on something, feel free to ask!"
