Day one / week one in a new job

Most people feel a sense of nervous excitement on their first day. Some people feel overwhelmed or stressed. However you are feeling, there are some things you can do to help settle in.

Task: Read this article to help you have a great first day and first week.

Here are some tips on how to handle the early days in your new job:

Introduce yourself

Taking the time to say hello to everyone and introduce yourself is super important. It pays to find the people you want to meet and make it your business to meet them. This is not the time to be shy!

Build positive relationships

Most people spend one-third of their adult life at work. Having positive professional relationships with your co-workers will not only make work enjoyable, but it will also build trust and create better work outcomes. If you’re invited for lunch or coffee, try to say yes.

Discuss and agree expectations

Understanding what your job is and what your new employer expects from you is very important. Make sure you and your manager are on the same page about responsibilities and expectations so you’re setting yourself up for success from day one.

Find a buddy

Some organisations match new starters with a ‘buddy’ to help them in those early days and weeks. If your employer doesn’t have a buddy system, try to befriend someone who’s been at the workplace for a while. They could help you understand ‘who’s who’ and show you where to find things.

Ask lots of questions

This is something great employees do well. Asking questions is how you learn and grow in your job. Asking questions with a positive attitude in week one has an added benefit — the more questions you ask, the more people you’ll get to know.

Pay attention

During those early days, it’s important to notice things about your co-workers – their routines, if they like tea/coffee/hot chocolate, how they like to work. Being mindful of others in your team will help to build positive, productive working relationships.

Ask for feedback

In a new job, there are bound to be lots of opportunities to learn and grow. Ask your manager (and co-workers) for feedback often in those early days so you know how you’re doing.

What else that you could do to make your first day and week a great experience?