Starting a New Job: How to Succeed from Day One

Landing a new role is exciting, but the first few days can feel just as daunting as the interview process. Whether you’re stepping into an office, starting remotely or working on a new work site, it’s crucial to make a positive impact from day one. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the transition smoothly and set yourself up for success in your new job.

The First Week: Building Foundations

1. Make Connections Building relationships is key to thriving in any workplace. Whether you’re working remotely or in person, start by introducing yourself to your team. Don’t wait for people to approach you—be proactive. In the office, grab a coffee with colleagues, or if you’re remote, set up virtual coffee chats. A simple email introducing yourself to your team can break the ice. Ask your manager to connect you with key stakeholders early on. The sooner you build these connections, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel.

2. Find Your Way Around If you’re working on-site, familiarise yourself with the office layout, key areas like meeting rooms, and the best commuting routes. For remote workers, ensure your home setup is equipped with all necessary tools and software, and ask for support if you run into tech issues. Knowing where everything is—physically or digitally—will help you settle in quicker and avoid any unnecessary delays.

3. Ask Questions Don’t shy away from asking questions in your first few days. You’re not expected to know everything, and asking clarifying questions shows initiative. In a remote setting, it’s easy to feel isolated, so reach out via chat or email if you’re unsure of something. Taking notes during meetings can help ensure you don’t repeat questions and show that you’re listening.

4. Establish Your Personal Brand First impressions matter. In fact, research suggests you have just 7 seconds to make a lasting impression. Whether in-person or via Zoom, Teams or Meet, your body language, tone, and attitude are crucial. Show up with positivity and professionalism, and let your personality shine. This will help you leave a lasting impact on your new colleagues.

The First Month: Getting into the Groove

1. Stay Organised It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with new information and responsibilities. Keep on top of things by creating to-do lists and prioritising tasks. Plan your day and keep track of deadlines to stay organised and manage your workload efficiently.

2. Understand Expectations Early on, have a conversation with your manager to clarify your role, responsibilities, and how success will be measured. Hopefully this was discussed in your interviews. It’s crucial to know what’s expected of you to ensure you’re on the right track. Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) with your manager will give you clear direction and help avoid miscommunications.

3. Set Boundaries Establish clear boundaries from the outset to avoid burnout. In New Zealand, work-life balance is highly valued, so make it clear if you’re unavailable outside working hours. This helps set expectations and ensures you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

4. Build Relationships Keep networking with your colleagues. If you’re working remotely, it’s essential to stay in touch with your team. Join virtual catch-ups or set up a group chat. Attending company events, whether in person or virtual, helps create bonds that will enhance your work experience. Research from Gallup shows that building social connections at work can significantly boost productivity.

The First 90 Days: Making a Lasting Impact

1. Set Clear Goals After your first month, it’s time to start thinking long-term. Collaborate with your manager to set achievable goals for the first quarter. Challenging yourself with clear objectives not only shows initiative but also positions you for future success.

2. Be Proactive Don’t wait for tasks to come to you—seek out opportunities to contribute. Whether it’s updating your manager weekly or reaching out to colleagues on projects that interest you, showing initiative demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to your role.

3. Focus on the Positive It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or to doubt yourself in a new job. But by focusing on your accomplishments so far, you can combat these feelings. Remember, you were hired for a reason—your skills and experience are valued. Reflect on how much you’ve grown and focus on the positive changes you’ve already made.

Embrace the Journey

Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-racking, but by staying organised, building relationships, and being proactive, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Whether you’re searching for new opportunities or settling into your new role, Adecco New Zealand is here to help with expert advice and guidance every step of the way.