New jobs are always nerve-wracking whether it’s your first job, first day, or your fiftieth first day. These tips should help set you up to nail your first day at work. 

1. Arrive prepared 

You’ve obviously already read our quick guide, How to look good in your new role, and arrived at the office well rested, brand-ready, (dressed) and prepared. If your manager didn’t reach out to confirm your first day schedule in the days prior to starting, take the initiative and do so yourself. You’ll want to be clear on your arrival time, dress code, and first day and week expectations (will it really just be about HR paperwork and the code of conduct?). 

2. Get to know your colleagues 

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, working remotely or in-office, get to know your team members and other people of value and influence in the workplace. Smile often. If you can appear friendly and curious from the onset, you might have an easier time learning who’s who and making friends with people who’re likely to respond to requests for help during your transition. 

Related: Learning how to reciprocate for effortless networking

3. Be curious 

Nothing spells apathy like nodding and grunting when people are showing you the ropes. Instead, asks questions and actively engage in conversations. If you’ve already made a note of questions you need to ask to plug any information gaps (look at you go, you little prepper!), then seek out the people who can provide answers. 

Just be mindful with this one – ask your questions wisely, not blindly. Ask questions that clarify. 

4. Actively listen 

As great as you think you may be, you don’t know everything. And you especially don’t know how things work in your new workplace. Observe the way things work and listen to what is and isn’t said. Unless you’re asked outright, keep strong opinions to yourself initially. Or say something like, “I am thinking along these lines… but I’m still learning how things work here.”

Remain open minded through your first month and focus on observing, listening, and absorbing. 

5. Prepare an elevator pitch 

No need to go all salesy on your new team, you already got the role! But given how many people you’re going to meet during your first day and week, and given how curious everyone is going to be about you, it can be helpful revising a brief and engaging ‘About me.’ Consider covering where you’ve come from and the skills and experiences you most look forward to bringing to your new role. 

6. Be you 

You may walk into your new workplace feeling pressured to perform and impress. But the best thing you can do is be your natural self. After all, that’s the reason you got the job! While this doesn’t necessarily mean you should immediately command the lunchroom broadcasting your back-catalogue of dad jokes (if that’s your bag), you’ll feel much more relaxed and have a much better time if you feel comfortable in your own skin. 

Nailed your first day at work? Great – check out these 5 questions to answer when reflecting on your first 30 days in a new role.