To ensure you have a successful start from day one in your new role, here are some tips to guide you through this exciting phase.
Dress to impress
You don’t have to go over the top, but don’t arrive wearing jeans if everyone else is wearing chinos. If you’re unsure what the expectation is, ask to see the dress code policy prior to starting, or ask your contact what people wear. Your recruiter will know what’s expected, so don’t feel that you’re alone. If in doubt, it’s better to overdress than underdress.
Ease commute stress
No one wants to turn up to their first day of a new job late and flustered. Ensure that you’ve looked up your commute. If the area is completely new, perhaps you want to do a trial run. Remember to allow plenty of time, as you’d rather be early in case something goes wrong.
Grasp the company's ethos
To understand the company even more, it’s a good exercise to familiarise yourself with their website. This is likely to include the company’s history, their ethos and even who works there. Understanding the company's ethos provides valuable insight into its culture, allowing you to align your work and contributions accordingly.
Create a friendly first impression
This is the perfect time to create friendly connections with your new colleagues. Whether that’s a friendly ‘hello’ in the kitchen or setting up times to sit down and meet with colleagues. The impact of a warm and welcoming first impression should not be underestimated. You may want to also start adding people on LinkedIn to create professional connections beyond the walls of the office.
Organise your resources
Establishing a structured system for your training materials and documents is key. Create a dedicated folder within your email platform (such as Outlook) to efficiently manage and access essential information. This prevents things from getting lost amidst the influx of emails and ensures easy retrieval when needed.
Ask questions and seek clarification
Embrace curiosity and don't shy away from asking questions. Seeking clarification regarding processes, procedures, and the company culture may show your eagerness to learn. Proactive engagement demonstrates your commitment to understanding your role within the organisation.
Industry research and training
If you’re new to the industry, or to where the company sits within the industry, you may want to ask for training and do your own research. Whether that’s what’s involved in the industry or how the company has interacted with it. What projects have they completed? What’s the economic state of the industry? How has it changed over the last five years?
Bonus tip (For Managers) Engage with Your Team
If you hold a managerial position, prioritise establishing connections with your team members. Regular catch-up sessions provide an avenue to comprehend their roles, strengths, and challenges. Building rapport fosters a cohesive team dynamic, laying the groundwork for effective leadership.
Don’t forget to stay in contact with your recruiter. We’re here to help you throughout your career, not just to find you the job. We want to make the start to your new job as easy as possible.
