New Job? Here’s How to Start It Right

If you are about to start a new gig this year, there are some things you can do to get your job off on the right foot. The early days of your onboarding offer you the chance to make the right first impression.

Dress the Part
Be sure to ask about the corporate dress code before your first day on the job. You want to fit in and feel comfortable. To do that, you’ll need to dress appropriately for your workplace. Business casual is often the norm, but for some organizations, you may need to get more dressed up. And if you’re working in a more relaxed environment, it may be that jeans are totally appropriate. Find out how to dress for your new job before you step foot in the door on your first day.

Don’t Relax Too Soon
Although you may be feeling the relief that comes with landing a job – especially if you’ve been searching for awhile – the first few inaugural weeks will set the tone for the rest of your tenure. It’s best to continue to make a good first impression. Be helpful, polite, and sincere. Remember that it’s hard to change a bad impression once you’ve been labeled as unreliable, unfriendly, or phony.

Get Organized
First things first: Once you’re on the job, you’ll need to organize your office or cubicle so that it suits your needs. Make a list of the supplies you’ll need, and then find out what the process is for getting those supplies. In small offices, it may be as simple as a visit to the supply closet. In larger organizations, you may have to fill out a requisition form. Once you’ve got your basic supplies, think about personalizing your space so it feels comfortable. Photographs and artwork can go a long way to warming up your cubicle. Even something as simple as bringing a favorite coffee cup to work can help you feel more at ease.

Take Your Time Making Friends
Don’t be too quick to form alliances. Be friendly with everyone. Learn everyone’s names. And if someone asks you out to lunch, don’t hesitate to go. Just don’t form close attachments until you have a better idea of how everyone interacts together. Try to get to know all of your coworkers, at all levels. You’ll get a better idea of the corporate culture and have more people to turn to for advice and support when you need it.

Exceed Expectations
You want to do a good job. Everyone does. But in today’s demanding workplace, simply doing your job may not be enough to get you noticed, promoted, and additionally compensated. Whatever the assigned tasks are, get them done well and quickly. Don’t just meet deadlines and expectations – exceed them. Show management that you’re not there to simply do your job – you’re someone who does more than is expected.

Taking some time to form a game plan before you start a new job will go a long way to ensuring that your future working situation is comfortable, productive, and successful. Make a plan, and then enjoy your new job. You’ve earned it!