Things You Should Do to Make a Good Impression on Your First Day at a New Job

"You may have interviewed with the hiring manager, but he/she may not be supervising you," says David Janowsky, partner and director of business development at talent acquisition firm WinterWyman. He suggests getting their contact information ahead of time.

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It's one thing to know who you're reporting to, it's another to have a way of contacting her or him directly. Janowsky suggests getting a direct number or finding out the best method of immediate communication. "If there is a traffic accident or severe weather, you can call your manager directly," he says. "Leaving a message with the receptionist might not be enough."

"Dress a notch higher than the dress code requires," suggests Ashley White, executive director of human resources for the American Productivity & Quality Center. Even though the way you look shouldn't matter, it still does. Outfits that are too casual can change opinions before you've even opened your mouth.

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Janowsky also suggests finding out where you are to check in on that first morning. Are you to go to the front desk? Go directly to your new floor? Will someone meet you or is it up to you? "This may seem insignificant, but these kinds of details will save time and eliminate confusion."

The best way to slip into a new role as seamlessly and as seemingly independent as possible is to "listen closely to directions and pay attention to the company's procedures," says Janowsky. "You may think you have a better way to do things, but it's day one; just follow along and learn."

"Sure, you might have come from another work environment where you had new furniture, a window and unlimited office supplies, but the new company might be very different. Don't spend your first few months demanding new things," insists Jill Gugino Panté, director of the career services center at the University of Delaware. "Be observant and see how others are living in their workspace. Try to model after that behaviour."

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The first day can be overwhelming, with a new environment, new people, perhaps even new technology and systems. So write it all down, suggests Janowsky. "You won't be able to remember everything." By taking notes, you have something to refer to if you have questions or concerns later on. "Waiting to ask your manager or another employee could negatively impact your performance."

White doesn't think you should expect anything on your first day, so "come ready with your own notepad and a few supplies you'll need to take good notes all day. The supply closet might not be on the tour, or it might not even exist."

Get up the nerve, take the initiative and introduce yourself to everyone in the office, at least during your first week. (The first day might be a little overkill). "Good supervisors will take you around and introduce you, but if not, don't hesitate to take that first step," advises Panté. "People might already be hesitant with a new person starting, so show everyone that you are open and friendly."

While you want to make friends and allies at your new place of employment, Janowsky advises to keep "work day chit chat to a minimum" and, instead, "get to know your new colleagues in greater depth at lunch or after hours." He even suggests that on the first day, you leave your lunch at home. "Go out to lunch with people – you will build relationships faster by learning about their lives outside of work. If you notice they bring their own lunches and eat together, do the same."

There's something to be said about someone who is up to any ask. "Whether it be a major project or cleaning out the fridge, offer to volunteer and pitch in," suggests Panté. "It may be outside of what you were hired to do, but volunteering shows you're a team player and adds an opportunity to know your co-workers better."

"It may take a couple of weeks to learn, but there is always a rhythm within an office to figure out," Tom Moran, CEO of Addison Group says. So if it's determining whether people bring their own lunch, eat at the company cafeteria or head out to the local pub; or what's considered normal start and finish times, keep your eyes open and "figure out how that works for your lifestyle."

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"Observe more than you speak," advises Panté. "A major turnoff is when someone new comes in and starts problem-solving when they don't know the entire history. Unless that's what you're hired to do, take a beat and learn the culture, people and organizational structure. Ultimately, your solutions will be stronger and received more readily."

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Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's better to take the initiative, rather than not know something. "If your manager doesn't tell you the schedule for the week, ask for as much as they know," says White. "Armed with information, you can do a good job planning out your days until you get in the groove."

As your first day comes to an end, you'll want to find out if there are any questions or concerns. This is basically a way to see if what you did was good enough or if there are ways to improve. "Did you dress OK? Did you provide value? Is there anything else you can do to make your manager’s life easier?" Ask those questions, says Janowsky, and it will "keep everyone on the same page and set you up for future success at the company."

If you don't get a chance to speak with your supervisor at the end of day one, make a meeting for the following day. "Summarize your notes after the first day and be ready to recap with your manager the next morning," says White. "There isn't a manager out there that won't appreciate you coming back prepared."

"Establishing a time to check-in with your new manager is always a good idea," concurs Moran. "It's likely that you will have regular meetings with your new boss, but you should consider doing a bit more. In order to showcase what you have done in your early days and invite feedback, you should proactively set up a time with your new manager about 45-50 days out from your start date. This shows you are proactive and confident and most managers appreciate the idea of taking a step back from the day-to-day to get some perspective."

"Ask for any reading or research that can be done at home to get you up to speed faster," says White. Total keener move? Absolutely. But one that'll put you in the good books, for sure.

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