Starting a new job is an exciting time. Job searches are long and stressful and your first day at work is the capstone of that long journey. However, getting an offer isn’t truly the end of the process. It’s actually the start of a new process: Making a great impression on the job. You will be under the microscope from your new boss and your new coworkers during your early days on the job, so use these strategies to get off on the right foot and have a great first week.
1) Have A Positive Attitude
The way you interact with your coworkers during the first week of your new job will set the tone for your entire relationship. Make sure to walk through the door with a sunny and cheerful attitude, even if you are nervous. Be polite, friendly and outgoing to everyone, whether it’s the cleanup crew or the CEO. Make an effort to learn people’s names and job functions as quickly as possible, ask people questions about what they do, and if you get invited to have lunch with the team, accept the offer.
2) Ask Questions When You Have Them
Nobody expects you to know everything about the way your new company does things and they will expect you to have questions along the way. If you have a question during your first week, don’t be afraid ask it. You don’t want to hold your questions in and then do things incorrectly. Good questions show you are eager to learn, but it is important to write down the answers and commit them to memory. If you have to ask the same question 10 times in your first week, it will seem like you aren’t really learning.
3) Be Punctual
Even if the rest of the team shows up 10 minutes late for work, don’t assume that it is acceptable for you to be late, too. Leave home a little early every day and if you get to work too early, hang out in your car until 10 minutes before your start time. It is also important not to be the first person out the door at the end of the day, either. You don’t have to be the last to leave, but hang around for a few minutes to clean up your workspace or check in with your new boss.
4) Don’t Call In Sick
No matter how bad you might feel, don’t call off during your first week of work. If you do feel ill, show up on time and let your boss know what’s going on. You can ask permission to leave if you’re too sick to continue or if you’re in danger of infecting the whole team. If you allowed to go home, head straight to the doctor or walk-in clinic and return the next day with a note. Calling off during the first week is a huge black mark on your record, and one you can’t really afford to have during your probationary period.
