| FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT! The first few weeks | | | | something else useful to do. |
| of a new job are crucial in determining how your new | | | | Don't ask if you can go home early on day one or |
| employer perceives you. During this time your | | | | try to book holiday time - this shouldn't be seen as |
| manager, colleagues and subordinates will all be | | | | your priority in the first few weeks. |
| making judgements about you, so you cannot afford | | | | Induction success |
| to give the wrong impression. The ways in which you | | | | Many company HR departments design an induction |
| present yourself and communicate are going to lead | | | | plan as an opportunity to learn about the culture of |
| people to form long lasting opinions of you, so it is | | | | the business. Take this opportunity to ask questions, |
| essential to perform to high standards, ensuring the | | | | remaining open-minded about your new employer. |
| right people notice your efforts. | | | | This is the time to find out even more about the |
| Preparation | | | | company and ask any questions regarding personnel |
| Your first day is likely to be exhausting, as anxiety | | | | issues. You may be given policies to read, health and |
| will increase your stress levels. The first journey to | | | | safety information and some brief training on using |
| work, introductions to new people and the effort | | | | office equipment. Don't worry if it all seems too |
| invested to create the best impression can make | | | | much to take in at the time, take notes and re-read |
| you feel tired. Aim to get lots of sleep and be | | | | the information at a later date. |
| organised. Prepare your clothes, paperwork and | | | | Work on developing a good relationship with your |
| travel and leave time for discrepancies. | | | | manager. In your first month try to understand the |
| Before you begin the job, immerse yourself in all the | | | | type of person they are, assessing their working |
| company literature you can find. Conduct further | | | | style, priorities and communication techniques. How |
| research: go on the corporate website and request | | | | do they like to receive information - face to face or |
| copies of brochures and press packs. The latest | | | | by email? Do they prefer to schedule meetings? |
| newsletter, company press releases or recently | | | | Don't assume they always know what you are |
| published articles can also be useful. By absorbing as | | | | working on - make it a rule to check in with them |
| much information as you can about the company's | | | | regularly and let them know of any successful |
| culture, values and market positioning you will ensure | | | | undertakings. |
| that you are one step ahead. | | | | The bigger picture? |
| Dos and Don'ts | | | | Your initial tasks and routines have probably been |
| There are some basic dos and don'ts to follow in | | | | outlined. Clarifying exactly what is expected of you is |
| order to ensure that you create the right first | | | | important - if you're unsure of what your objectives |
| impression: | | | | and goals are you should ask your manager to make |
| Do... | | | | these clear. Find out how the work of your team fits |
| Arrive early and make the effort to show | | | | into the purpose of the wider department and how |
| enthusiasm and motivation. | | | | the support of this department contributes to the |
| Introduce yourself to people you meet and try and | | | | overall activities of the business. Take a professional |
| remember names and faces plus their roles within the | | | | attitude and treat all jobs (even those you may feel |
| company. | | | | menial) as important. |
| Ask for a run down of the management | | | | Did I make the right decision? |
| infrastructure - this way you can understand who | | | | Feelings of doubt are normal during your first few |
| controls what. | | | | months in a job. You may find yourself questioning |
| Try to demonstrate your strengths/specialist skills as | | | | your job or the company but insecurity at this early |
| soon as possible. | | | | stage is not unusual. Towards the end of the first |
| Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to say if | | | | month it can be useful to review your new job and |
| you don't understand something - an employer will | | | | assess your satisfaction with the direction you are |
| assist you rather than let you struggle. | | | | moving in. The best way to prevent potentially |
| Think about your appearance and ensure you look | | | | negative issues getting out of hand is to identify |
| businesslike, clean and groomed. | | | | them early on and change them before they become |
| Remember to think before you speak. | | | | unmanageable. |
| Be organised and write down reminders. | | | | Above all else your first month in a new job should |
| Don't... | | | | be challenging and exciting. It will bring with it |
| Don't be too quiet or reserved, or conversely too | | | | challenges you may not have faced or anticipated |
| loud or over-the-top. | | | | before. With a little bit of thought and insight you can |
| Don't sit around doing nothing - if you finish a task, | | | | get off to a flying start with your new employer. |
| take the initiative to let the boss know and find | | | | |