How to look good in your new job

So, you got the job – Huzzah! But now that the first day looms, you’re starting to panic about making a good impression on your new team. Here’s how you can put your best foot forward and set yourself up for new job success.

Rest

Starting a new job is exciting! Even though you’ll probably want to commence straight away, one of the best things you can do to prepare is to schedule a break between roles. Allow your mind and body time to decompress and get on top of some life admin because once you start, life will feel like a whirlwind.

Prepare

Prepare for your first day just like it’s your child’s first day of school. Plan your commute (if not working from home), outfit, lunch and breakfast meals the day before, so when you wake up after a good night’s sleep, you’re ready to roll. Minimise the decisions you need to make on the big day, so you can stay focused. (It’s said that the reason Steve Jobs always wore black skivvies was to remove one decision from his day. Be more Steve.)

Pack a notebook and pen just in case, even if just to quickly reference where you need to be, at what time, and who to meet.

Research

Show up looking like you’ve been working at the company for years. Look up some important figures on LinkedIn, so you can say hi! and introduce yourself if you pass them in the corridor. Make a note of a few people in your speciality you’d like to grab a coffee with.

You might also want to check out the company’s website for latest news and to get up to speed on the market / industry. Who are their competitors and customers? What big projects are they working on or known for? What are your knowledge gaps you can ask your manager about?

Heading in ‘brand aware’ will leave a strong impression.

Set up

If working from home is part of your new arrangement, get your home office set up and ready to go before your first day. You’ll want to file or destroy any residue from your previous job, tidy up your workspace (like emptying that two months’ old paper bin), and give your desk and computer a good dusting! Consider it like a spring clean, so you can invite fresh energy into your new role.

Set goals

Head into your new role clear on your goals and reasons for being there. This can help you maintain perspective should things get overwhelming while you find your feet. But it can also help you stay on track for hitting your goals, ensuring you get the most from your experience.

Additionally, you might want to get clear on your team’s goals and expectations of you and your contribution. This gets everyone on the same page from the very beginning to avoid disagreements and disappointment later.

A new job always means an intense learning period in the first days, weeks, and month. The more you can prepare yourself, the more seamless your transition (and spectacular your impression!).

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