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Starting a new job
Your first few days can have a bearing on how you'll be perceived, yet identifying correct behaviour patterns (e.g. language, hours, dress code) can be difficult as the culture of organisations can vary considerably. Some basic but important reminders are:
Do
- Arrive early
- Show enthusiasm
- Be willing to learn
- Demonstrate knowledge about your new employer
- Ask lots of questions
- Take the initiative
- Look smart and businesslike
- Be organised (write things down)
- Observe your colleagues and their behaviour.
Don't
- Be too quiet or reserved (or conversely, too over-the-top!)
- Sit around doing nothing if you have finished a task - take the initiative
- Ask what time you can leave that evening
- Make personal phone calls without asking or without judging what is tolerated
- Get involved in office politics (it's too early to make judgements about who are potential allies or enemies)
- Keep asking the same question without writing down the answer
- Book holidays on your first day.
You are not alone
Remember that your manager is also keen to make a good impression on new starters. A manager's role in this situation can be that of a mentor, explaining the firm's expectations, disclosing hidden agendas, encouraging, supporting or cajoling. There is much to be gained from acknowledging your new manager is working just as hard to impress as you are.