Whether you are changing jobs or embarking a new career, the first day at a new company is always an exciting time for everyone involved.
It’s quite normal to feel nervous and not sleep as well as usual. Then there’s the question of all questions: have I really made the right decision? This applies to both candidates and companies.
For those of you changing jobs: I can reassure you right away – you’ve already achieved your first success! You impressed the HR department and your future managers during the application process.
If you are still feeling unsure and want to make a good first impression at your new workplace, you can read my article „5 tips for making the best first impression“ again.
However, first impressions aren’t the only thing new starters should pay attention to. I’ve put together five more tips to help you get off to a relaxed and successful start with your new employer.
For all companies, there is important input on the topic of onboarding below.
For candidates
Two essentials for making a good first impression are being punctual and wearing appropriate clothing!
- The application process is a special situation so it is not a good starting point for choosing what to wear. You definitely don’t want to be under- or overdressed. Of course, it’s not the end of the world, but to get off to a good start, choose something you feel comfortable in that also fits the company culture.
- Under no circumstances should you be late; this is an absolute unacceptable, unless it is an exceptional situation, such as an accident. Otherwise, there is no excuse.
„Therefore => check with your contact person what time you should arrive and what the company’s dress code is.“
Networking
As the saying goes „Talking brings people together,“ as the saying goes. Get to know your most important contacts in the company and take the opportunity to network with them, e.g. on social media or internal company networks. Also find out if there is a buddy or mentor to help you during your induction. He or she will be there to offer advice and support when you need it, and help you get to know the company culture.
Observe and learn
Use the calm before the storm to observe and learn. People are often impatient during the induction phase and want to demonstrate their skills immediately. Enjoy being the „newbie“ for a while. Calmly observe how things work in the company and learn from this experience. The stressful time when you have to deliver often comes arrives sooner than you excpect.
Appreciate what is already there
Don’t rush into introducing innovations! Don’t carried away too quickly with your enthusiasm and drive. Often, when you start a new job, you want to change everything right away. This is admirable, of course, but not necessarily beneficial. It is important to first learn to appreciate the existing structures and processes and only then provide input on innovations. Why? If you do not appreciate the work of long-standing employees, they may feel hurt by the ’new‘ way of doing things.
Be curious and open to new things
Starting a new job is always a new phase in life. Everything is unfamiliar at first, which can naturally be overwhelming. However, if you are curious and eager to learn; it will broaden your horizons and increases your impact. Your attitude determines your life, and your colleagues will appreciate your positive outlook.
In the early stages of a new job, it’s best to „soak everything up like a sponge“ – sometimes less is more. It is important to ask questions and learn at this stage. Although it can often be frustrating to have to sit still at the first, but in the end it will be very valuable in the end. Only those who listen actively can truly understand.
For companies
A plea to all companies: the onboarding phase is one of the most important phases in the employee lifecycle. It determines whether an employee will stay with a company and how committed they will be. There are three phases to consider:
Phase 1: Commitment before the first day of work
- Access to initial company information and guidelines (anything that is not strictly confidential and can be shared)
- Documents on products & market overview
- Regular discussions with the candidate to maintain and build their engagement them and anticipation for the new job during their notice period
Phase 2: The first day/week of work
- The direct supervisor is present to lay the foundation for cooperation
- The newcomer has a workplace and the necessary resources to get off to a good start in their new role
- The newcomer gets to know the team in a pleasant environment, e.g. breakfast/lunch together
- A buddy/mentor is there to serve as a point of contact when they are unsure or unfamiliar with something
Phase 3: Long-term commitment to the company –
„the make or break decision“
- An overview of all departments and processes to understand how they work and what they do
- Regular feedback meetings to determine whether the newcomer is the right fit for the company or the position
My conclusion
So, as we can see, the first day at work is not a „one-way street“; rather, both parties have the power to ensure that this day, and the entire onboarding process, are positive experiences for both employees and the company.
As Henry Ford once said:
„Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, working together is success.“