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Top Do's and Don'ts for Starting a New Job

by Tina Collins, on June 08, 2021
You got the call, negotiated a salary, and finally landed the job you've been trying to nail down – congratulations! This is the time for optimism and excitement; after all, this could be the job that truly launches your career.
 
That means it's time to get focused and make the most of this opportunity right out of the gate. Your very first day of work is crucial - your first impression can set the tone for how your boss and your co-workers see you. It's a lot, we know, but don't stress! Here are suggestions for what you can do, and what you shouldn’t do, that will help you ensure a smooth transition to your new position.
 
Do: Dress the Part
When planning your first day of work outfit, your first stop should be the company website and social media pages. Is your new company business casual or business formal? Maybe this company is more laid back and jeans are the norm. Whatever you see, you want to dress accordingly to ensure that your outfit is appropriate for your new job.
 
Do: Arrive A Little Early
One easy way to help minimize the stress of starting a new position is to do a trial run before you start the job. Figure out your transportation and where you’re going.  Make the trip a few days ahead of time to see how long it takes, giving yourself a cushion for traffic or other delays. Then give yourself a little extra time so you can arrive at work a few minutes early on your first day.
 
Do: Build Relationships
Relationship building can be hard, especially if you’re the new kid on the block. It can be harder when you don’t have an outgoing personality, and meeting new people is a challenge. Do your best to be friendly and warm, and again, asking for advice is always a good way to break the ice.
 
Don’t: Expect to Know Everything Straight Away
Nobody is expecting you to know everything right off the bat, so don’t put pressure on yourself by expecting to excel at everything straight away. Each of your new colleagues will have gone through the same situation as you and will be able to sympathize with how scary the process can be.
 
Don’t: Be Afraid to Ask for Help and Advice
There is no such thing as a stupid question when you’re starting a job. Your employer would prefer that you ask. That’s easier than having to fix a mistake. You won’t be expected to know everything, and it’s better to ask for help than to guess.
 
Don’t: Stress Too Much
Think of your new job as the next exciting step in your career path. Don’t expect to learn everything at once. It’s all new to you, and it will take time. If you feel yourself getting stressed, take a deep breath, collect yourself, and remember that you aren’t expected to get it all at once.
 
There’s no denying it – starting a new job is one of the most overwhelming, life-affirming processes you can go through. However, it doesn’t have to be as nerve-wracking as you think it’s going to be. You should embrace the fresh start and the fact that your new employer has seen something in you that makes them think you’re going to be great.
 
Remember that starting a new job is something literally everyone goes through and, perhaps most importantly, remember you won’t be the newbie forever. At LandrumHR, we know that making the right impression will not only make our employees feel prepared for their new job but will also ensure that they feel comfortable and welcomed to our organization. Check out our Job Center today and make LandrumHR your next career move!
 
Sources
 
Chang, S. (2021). 'Changing Jobs: The Dos and Don'ts of Starting Your New Job', The Muse, Available at: https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-dos-and-donts-of-starting-your-new-job (Accessed: 12 April 2021).
 
Suder, R. 'Starting a New Job? 7 Tips to Ensure Your Success’, Top Resume, Available at: https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/7-basics-every-new-hire-should-know (Accessed: 12 April 2021).
 
(2020). 'Hiring for these jobs is on the rise in 2021, according to LinkedIn', Indeed, 25 November. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/new-job-guide (Accessed: 13 April 2021).
 
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Tina Collins

Tina is a Human Resources Specialist for the LandrumHR Staffing division. She is a military spouse, and has a sincere passion for helping veterans and other military spouses find jobs!

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