How to Act on Your First Day at a New Job

Break the ice with colleagues by offering a warm smile and handshake.

You beat out the competition to get hired for a new job. On your first day, it might feel like you are back at a starting line -- which, in fact, you are. It will be a busy day. You will most likely meet with the human resources department to complete paperwork, get settled into your workspace, record your voicemail greeting, establish computer passwords and much more. But while you are taking care of all of that, you will be introduced to people who hold the keys to your success, who will be sizing you up. Make a good first impression.

Things You'll Need

• Professional but comfortable business attire

Instructions

1. Dress well, in business attire -- although wearing clothes and shoes you are comfortable in. Look neatly groomed and arrive 10 minutes early. This shows your professionalism. In their article, "Your First Days Working at a New Job: 20 Tips to Help You Make a Great Impression," Randall S. Hansen and Katharine Hansen note that a new employee should dress in the manner that he wants people to perceive him. Being a careful dresser can signal that you accept responsibility. Give colleagues a warm smile and firm handshake and look them in the eye when being introduced. Repeat their name to help reinforce it to your memory. All of these steps will help you to appear positive and ready to become a part of the team.

2. Ask questions. This shows you are eager to learn about the job and company and it helps you to become settled in the job faster. Take notes if you think you are getting more information than you can easily remember. But do not ask so many questions that you become a nuisance to your co-workers or boss. Back off if you think you might be interfering with work they need to finish.

3. Lay low, but pay attention, advises CBS MoneyWatch contributor Amy Levin-Epstein, in her article "New Job? 8 Tips For Your First Day." By paying attention to what goes on around you in the office, you can come to understand the corporate culture in your new job quickly. She recommends watching how people present themselves, how they work together and how they interact with the company's clients.

4. Apologize if you make a mistake, but do not apologize too much. Cathie Black, former chairman of Hearst Magazines and former New York City schools chancellor, says in an interview at the First 30 Days website not to apologize profusely like your mistake is the end of the world. Keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes, she advises, and simply say that you are very sorry and will not make the mistake again.

5. Stay late. Staying just five to 10 minutes past quitting time will help let colleagues and your boss know that you are not a "clock watcher" and are committed to your work and the company.

Tips & Warnings

• Your first day on the job actually begins the evening before. Make certain your alarm is set to wake you up in plenty of time to arrive at your job at least five minutes early. Lay out your professional clothes and accessories to save time in the morning. Also check to make sure that they are pressed and free of stains.

References

• Quintessential Careers; "Your First Days Working at a New Job -- 20 Tips to Help You Make a Great Impression"; Randall S. Hansen, et al..
• Everest University Online; How to Survive Your First Week at a New Job; Allen B. Ury; March 2011
• CBS MoneyWatch.com; "New Job? 8 Tips For Your First Day"; Amy Levin-Epstein; May 2011
• First 30 Days; Cathie Black on Starting a New Job; February 2008

Resources

• Forbes.com; "Dress for Success"; Scott Reeves; April 2006