Starting a new job

Whether you’re a graduate, manager or CEO, starting a new job is intimidating for everyone. But remember your new employer has given you the job so they feel you are the best fit for the company and the team. Here are a few things you can do to help settle those first day nerves and make your transition into a new job that much easier.

Get in touch before you start

Congratulations, you got the job - but you may have to wait a month or more, while you work your notice period, before you actually start. You may want to keep in touch with your new employer during this time. They may even invite you to the office or for a team drink to meet your future colleagues. If so, make an effort to put in an appearance.

Arrive early and well presented

Treat your first day almost like the interview. Prove to your new boss they made the right decision and present yourself as professional, personable and knowledgeable.

Remember people’s names

Map out a seating plan and put people’s names in the various positions. Also make a note of the name of anyone you will have regular contact with such as the receptionist. Greet people by name and use their names when conversing to help embed this information. You will be rapport building at the same time – extra bonus.

Join the team

Try to be proactive. It's a great way to get to know your new colleagues and prove to them that you're a team player. Take an interest not only in them, but also in the area where you work. Ask where they go for lunch or where there's a good café. You can go for a meal and coffee together with them. If you can, attend company events or have a drink with colleagues after work. You'll strengthen relationships and learn more behind-the-scenes information about how the team works.

Build relationships

During your first few days at work, you'll find out which colleagues you'll be working closely with in the future. So make the effort to get to know your colleagues well. Building individual bonds can help you overcome future work obstacles. Moreover, mere colleagues can become friends for life over time. So try to be open and have a positive attitude. It makes communication much easier for both parties.

Ask your boss insightful questions

This is an extension of the first impression, so ask questions about the company and its business. In case you don't know, don't be afraid to ask anything else as well. Still, you are a new employee and no scholar has fallen from the sky. If you ask your colleagues for help, they will be happy to oblige.

Listen, listen, listen

In the first few weeks in your new job, you should listen more than you talk. Take good notes to make your job easier. Believe that you will have to learn a lot of information in a short period of time.

Keep focused on what’s important

Keep your job description handy and review it as you are getting up to speed. Reflect on how what you are learning ties to what is expected of you and how you will achieve success.

Don’t try to change the world on your first day

You may be managing people or have been hired to change an existing process or culture. Remember to pay due respect to the people and business by understanding how and why things have been done before you start making major changes.

Call your recruiter to let them know how it went

It’s important to share any questions you may have at this early stage and your consultant is best placed to find out information on your behalf.

Are you having second thoughts?

If, on the first day, you feel that you have made a mistake or that you just won't gel with your new colleagues, don’t panic. It often takes time to settle into a new organisation and many people have initial reservations, which they quickly overcome. Before you raise any concerns with your manager, you should complete at least one full week, preferably two.

Remember that you usually have a trial period, which is usually three months. This is an important period not only for your employer, but also for you to see if the job is right for you. However, bear in mind your employer is also clarifying these issues.

Good luck in your new job!

Jana Šromová

HR Manager, Hays Czech Republic
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