The First Days

I started at my latest job, I was discussing with a former colleague of mine what it's like to be a new employee.

Starting a new job can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Doesn't matter if you're a recent graduate embarking on your first professional adventure or a seasoned professional entering a new industry, the first days at a new company will still set the tone for your experience.

A friend of mine once said that for better or worse, "it is extremely difficult for a company to view you as something other than how you joined the company." And I would agree that for the vast majority of organizations that is correct.

So here are some essential (though probably not exhaustive) tips on how to make the right first impression.

Learn who you're Working for:

I wish this was more obvious, but having been on the receiving side of training individuals on their first days, only to have them ask me the work day hours, our product, or even our official company name, I know for a fact it's not to be taken for granted. Learn your employer. It's where you're going to be investing your time and energy, so even after you've landed the job. Continue your due diligence in learning about what to expect for your first day. Again, ideally if you did a good job interviewing you already know most of this :)

Before your first day, familiarize yourself with the company's website, mission, values, and key team members. This knowledge will not only show your enthusiasm, but will also make you feel more comfortable and confident in your new environment. From a strategic perspective understand the industry, competitors, and the company's position within the market. Tactically, pay attention to pain points both for your teams and the customer.

Dress the Part:

Dressing appropriately is crucial in making a positive first impression. Take note of the company's dress code during the interview process, and on your first day, opt for an outfit that aligns with the company culture. An appropriate appearance demonstrates your respect for the workplace.

I want to point out that appropriate attire does not imply a mandatory suit and tie. Indeed that may be jarring for many company cultures. Inversely, something too casual may come across as disrespectful to client facing organizations with a tradition of conservatism.

Arrive Early:

Punctuality speaks volumes about your work ethic. Arriving a bit early on your first day shows eagerness and responsibility. While nobody might outright scold or fault you for showing up late on a first day, you can do better. You want to start on the right foot and more importantly you can use this time to settle in, familiarize yourself with the workspace, and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Onboarding a new hire is always a burdensome task for any team, so making yourself available even earlier can be a huge benefit to both sides.

Be Open and Approachable:

Approachability is key when entering a new environment. You don't want to be a fly on the wall. Smile, make eye contact, and extend a friendly greeting to your new colleagues. Don't be afraid to initiate conversations and introduce yourself. Remember, first impressions are not only about what you say but also about your body language.

Do you have to make friends with every individual at work? No. But should you make your presence known? Yes.

Listen and Learn:

During the initial days, focus on listening and absorbing information. In a perfect world, you want to be a sponge. After all, I almost exclusively encourage people to join organizations where they're going to be able to keep learning. Attend orientation sessions and training programs with an open mind. Ask questions when necessary, but also make an effort to learn independently. This demonstrates your initiative and ability to take ownership of your learning.

The best employees and reports I've managed have almost always been noticed for their inquisitive nature and desire to ask about their role and why things are done the way they are. After all, you're not a robot :) don't just take orders.

Build Relationships:

Cultivate relationships with your colleagues. Take the time to get to know your teammates, both professionally and personally. Attend team lunches, participate in casual conversations, and be genuinely interested in others. Building positive relationships early on can contribute significantly to your job satisfaction and success.

This may seem like people-pleasing activities, but the truth is that your colleagues should function as your support system to get more done. Especially at younger companies, this is pivotal in finding the synergies you need to make 2+2=5.

Understand Company Culture:

Every company has its own unique culture. What is culture? I've heard about a thousand different definitions, so I won't define it here explicitly. But you'll know it as you see it. Observe and adapt to the work environment, communication styles, and team dynamics. You don't want to be the one employee emailing everyone when they expect to hear from you via Slack.

Embrace the company's values and strive to align your work with its overarching goals. This may seem like a bit of a corporate lackey goal, but the truth is it's selfish. The more closely you align yourself to company goals, the better your work will directly impact what the company cares most about. Additionally, if you find your daily tasks veering from the company core goals, then its a great opportunity for you to offer strategic insight on where your effort might be better spent.

Clarify and Conjoin Expectations:

Seek clarity on your role, responsibilities, and expectations. Schedule meetings with your supervisor and team members to discuss short-term and long-term goals. Understanding what is expected of you from the beginning will set you on a path to success and avoid any ugly surprises down the road.

There is no reason you shouldn't be able to set your roadmap for your performance review ahead of time. Have a candid discussion on where you want to be and how to get there. When it comes time for your review, there should be no surprises for either you or your manager :)

Stay Organized:

Establish good organizational habits early on. This is really a life skill overall of course, but make sure you're in control of your work kingdom. Keep track of important information, take notes during meetings in a method that works for you, and set up systems to manage your workload efficiently. Being organized from the start will contribute to your productivity and effectiveness.

Bonus tip: Don't neglect learning from others on how they organize their days in similar roles!

Express Gratitude and Feedback:

Show appreciation to those who help you during your first days. A simple thank-you goes a long way in building positive relationships. Acknowledge the support you receive, whether it's from HR, your manager, or your colleagues spending time out of their workdays to help onboard you.

Additionally, remember that everything you just went through onboarding is the same path all future hires will tread. Let your team know what worked well and what didn't. This feedback can lead to exponential improvements, especially for young companies who are going to be growing faster over time.

The Takeaway

Starting a new job can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience that significantly shapes one's trajectory within a company. To ensure a positive first impression, several key strategies can be employed. First and foremost, thoroughly research the employer, familiarizing yourself with the company's mission, values, and key team members. Understanding industry dynamics and pain points, both strategically and tactically, showcases your commitment. Dressing appropriately according to the company culture is crucial, signaling respect for the workplace. Arriving early on the first day not only demonstrates eagerness but provides an opportunity to settle in and mentally prepare.

Being open and approachable is essential. Initiating conversations, smiling, and making eye contact contribute to a positive presence. During the initial days, focus on listening, absorbing information, and demonstrating a proactive approach to learning. Building relationships with colleagues, both professionally and personally, fosters a supportive work environment. Understanding and adapting to the company's unique culture, communication styles, and team dynamics are key for successful integration. Seek clarity on your role and expectations, stay organized from the start, and express gratitude for support received during onboarding. Providing constructive feedback contributes to ongoing improvements for future hires and the company as a whole. Approaching the new role with enthusiasm, openness, and a proactive mindset sets the foundation for a successful and fulfilling professional journey.