Iconic Recruit wanted to share some of their tips on how to get the most out of your first day, first week and your first few months and how to create some good work habits.

It’s a lot to take in starting a new job. You’re probably excited about the endless possibilities also feeling some butterflies in your stomach about this new chapter in your career.

Your First Day

Feeling those first-day jitters?
– Here are a few things to help you take control of your feelings, remain calm and have fun.

1. Don’t try to prove yourself.

You don’t have to crush all your goals or influence all your teammates on your first day. Just be a sponge—be present and soak it all up. Your first day at a new job is exhausting. You probably won’t produce much, and that’s okay! Be yourself and celebrate this exciting opportunity.

2. Choose your first-day outfit wisely.

Decide what you’re going to wear the night before you start your job. Your clothing makes a strong first impression, so choose something comfortable, professional, and appropriate for your new work environment.

3. Plan a foolproof commute.

Don’t show up late on your first day at your new job. Seems like common sense but we all know that unexpected things can happen, so be prepared!
– See below tips on ways to ensure you arrive on time:

• Drive your commute or catch your public transport before your first day so you can get a feel for traffic and how long it takes.
• Scout out your parking location if you are driving so, you know what to expect and how busy that carpark gets.
• Set a couple of alarms in case you sleep through the first one. It can happen to the best of us!
• Budget 10 extra minutes for your commute – we all need those extra 10 so we don’t feel rushed walking in!

4. Use a real-life notebook to take notes.

Pen and paper are obvious ways of communicating, yet they depict ‘I’m here, and I’m ready to learn’!
I’m sure you’ll be full of questions on your first day – ask as many questions as you can and be sure to write down your answers so you can draw back on them when you need it!

5. Keep your lunch plans open.

Make yourself available for lunch with colleagues on your first day. While we’re all for keeping a lean budget by bringing your own food to work, going out to eat on your first day gives you one less thing to worry about packing, and it could lead to some great conversations. It’s also a great way to get to know your colleagues and start building relationships/rapport!

6. Take in your surroundings.

Walk around your new workspace and just observe. Note the facilities, the layout, where the break room and fridge are located and where you can find a pick-me-up cup of coffee for your afternoon energy slump. Also, take some time to settle into your own space. You might want to personalise your desk by bringing a few photos of your family/friends or even bring in your favourite coffee mug you love!

Your First Week

Information overload? Hang in there! Take it one day at a time, and keep these tips in mind:

7. Get to know your teammates.

You’ll be meeting lots of new people in the first week and don’t worry if you forget everyone’s name’s its ok to ask them again but don’t let that stop you from extending a firm handshake, offering a big smile, and being open and warm.

Here are a few questions you can keep in your back pocket as you chat with your new colleagues:

• How long have you been working here?
• What do you wish you had known when you first started?
• What do you enjoy most about your job?
• What are you currently working on?
• What excites you most about the future of our organisation?

8. Get to know your leader.

Everyone knows they should meet their leader the first week on the job. Without getting too personal, ask your leader questions about their life outside of work! This person is going to have a huge impact on your career, so start building your relationship now.

9. Understand how the company is structured.

Most companies have an official organisational chart that explains the operating structure. Ask to see this and have your leader explain how it all works. Who’s in senior leadership? How are big decisions made? What’s the process for growth? Get a sense of how you fit into the big picture.

10. Learn the company culture.

Company culture is the personality, beliefs and values of the organisation all rolled into one. Hopefully you did some digging into the culture during the interview process, but now you get to see firsthand how it plays out day to day. And as you step into your new role, you get to create your company culture! You’re not sitting on the bench anymore—you’re in the game.

11. Listen twice as much as you talk.

Take in as much information as possible before you start airing your own opinions. This is especially important if you’re stepping into a leadership position.

12. Be an apprentice.

Even as you become more confident in your new role, keep in mind that you’re not an expert. Nobody wants to talk to someone who thinks they know it all. Humility opens the door to meaningful relationships and opportunities to learn. Develop daily habits that will help you maintain a growth mindset.

14. Focus on relationships.

Some things take time—and one of those things is building trust.
– Be intentional about getting to know the people you work with so you can start forming solid relationships. Take a few minutes out of your day to chat with your teammates and grab lunch or coffee. Sometimes, the strongest bonds form outside of work! You could get a regular happy hour going with your team or start a book club.

15. Say no to gossip.

Gossip is a poison that will destroy an organisation from the inside out. Don’t talk about a problem with someone who cannot fix it. Don’t complain about your team members behind their back. If you have an issue with someone, go directly to that person. Pass negatives up (to your leader) and positives all around. You can’t control what others say, but you can control what you say. Taking a hard stance against gossip has the double benefit of protecting your work environment and displaying your integrity.

16. Take initiative.

Your primary work focus is to execute the responsibilities you’ve been given. But as you grow more comfortable, look for ways to help that aren’t necessarily within your job description. Be on the alert. Be willing to raise a hand and offer a solution (respectfully) for a problem that you’ve noticed. Seek out what needs to be done and then go do it.

17. Keep an open mindset.

Organisations are made up of people, and people aren’t perfect! As you learn more about the good, the bad and the ugly of your new workplace, keep a balanced perspective and welcome the viewpoints of others—especially people who have been there longer than you have. People will surprise you and disappoint you from time to time, but that doesn’t mean you’re in a bad work environment. It means you’re in a human work environment.

18. Ask for feedback.

Develop an appetite for learning because learning leads to growth. And one of the best ways to gain new insight is to ask your leader and team members for their feedback. Don’t wait for your six-month or annual review. Make feedback a regular rhythm with those you trust.
You can ask questions like: What’s one area of my job performance that needs more focus?

• From your point of view, what are my greatest strengths?
• How can I add more value to our team?
• Am I meeting and exceeding expectations?

Iconic Recruit wants to congratulate you again on your new job! Remember, the hard part is over – you went through the long and difficult journey of interviewing and getting a job offer.
Now all that’s left is to make your best first impression and to be the kind of person who lives up to that impression!