What Does Your First Week in a New Job Look Like

Research has indicated that first impressions can be made within seven seconds of meeting a new individual. When starting a new job, it is crucial that you get off on the right foot. Although first impressions can be made rather quickly, there are several things you can do during your first week to set yourself up for success.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Make sure to take the time to explore the office, learning where the restrooms and kitchen are located. As a new employee, it can be helpful to learn where your boss resides, who sits nearby and who works at the front desk.

During your lunch break, if you’re not eating with colleagues, take a walk around the neighborhood to learn where you can grab a quick sandwich or a coffee on days when you need a pick-me-up.

Learn As Much as You Can in Your New Role

If you’re nervous about starting a new job, that’s understandable. It may be helpful to remember that no one will expect you to know everything during your first week, or even during your first few months. It’s important to take the time to evaluate the information that is most relevant to your new role, and to learn it as best as you can.

It can be helpful to study the company website and intranet, review relevant resources, and ask questions. Be sure you understand the company’s strategic goals, the expectations for your department and most importantly, for you.

Get to Know Your Team Members and Colleagues

It's important that you use your first week to get an understanding of the company culture. Your initial interview can be a place to get insight on this, but it’s important that you introduce yourself to your team members and peers to get an understanding of what their roles are, and how you will work together. Be friendly and respectful to everyone you meet, because making good first impressions and building relationships will be a great asset to your career. In the months that follow, you can even reach out to leaders at the company to pick their brains and learn more about their career path but be prepared so you come across as knowledgeable and motivated. This will help you learn more about yourself, your career development and plan for a future with the organization.

Act Like You’re Still Being Interviewed

Once you get the job, it’s only natural that you feel more relaxed. However, that doesn’t mean you abandon the polite professionalism that you exhibited during the interview. In fact, many of the skills you used to build rapport during the job interview can now also be used with new colleagues. Don’t forget to ask questions and stay engaged, especially during that initial week.

Set Up a Meeting With Your Manager

Be proactive when it comes to meeting with your manager. The sooner you’re able to touch base, the sooner you’ll be on the right track with your new job. This initial meeting is vital in establishing what your success in the first week, month and quarter looks like. If you have direct reports in your new job, be sure to meet with each of them to understand their current responsibilities and then set your expectations for the future.

Embrace the Opportunity for Onboarding at Your New Job

Be proactive when it comes to your onboarding activities. This includes attending any new employee meetings, tours or activities, reading all materials that will prepare you for your job responsibilities and going out of your way to meet your new team members and colleagues. Attending the company induction or training programs will provide you with introductions to other new recruits and help you create a network of company contacts. It is likely that other attendees will be from different business units or locations and could be valuable connections to help you achieve success in the future.

Use the First Week of Your New Job to Get Organized

It’s typical that the first week of a new job is a little slow. Take advantage of this time and create organizational systems that will help you do your job well once the pace picks up. Understand the technology platforms you will be using, set up your email folders or labels and create a filing system that will keep you organized as your workload increases.

Prior Planning Sets You up for Success

During the first week of your new job, create 30, 60- and 90-day plans to keep your professional goals in mind in the early months. Be sure to align these to the success factors your manager has discussed with you and include measurable goals that you can work towards. This plan will help keep you organized and focused so you can take advantage of your full potential as a new hire.

For more tips on how to succeed in a new job and achieve your career goals, visit our Aston Carter Career Advice page.

*This article was originally developed by Aston Carter EMEA and adapted for Aston Carter North America.