We’ve all been there. It’s your first day. You’re nervous. You want to impress everyone in the office and at least make a couple of friends at your new job.

No worries! Here are some tips to help you adjust to your new job and make a great impression.

Do’s

Research before the first day

You may have done this before the interview, but take a look at their reviews on Glassdoor. Find them on social media to maybe get a glance at their company culture. You might even be able to find company videos on YouTube. This can help you fit in on the first day.

Arrive on time

Punctuality is important for the interview, but it is especially important during the first few weeks of your new job. Your new boss got a great first impression of you when you arrived on time for the interview. Don’t let them doubt that first impression when you aren’t punctual during your first week. Also, be careful about utilizing the vacation time right at the start. If you have planned events or vacation before joining the team, you should discuss this before accepting the new role. Excessive tardiness and absences look very bad when you’re new.

Get to know your co-workers

Enjoy a casual conversation with the people around you, at the water cooler, or in the break room. Be sure to also ask questions about what your new colleagues do, so you get to know how you all work together as a team. Try repeating everyone’s name after being introduced. This will help you remember everyone’s name.

Be who you want to be

Being the new person, it’s a great time to reinvent yourself. This doesn’t mean for you to “pretend” to be someone you’re not, but to improve yourself and your skills.

 

Don’ts

Don’t talk about your old job

Especially, don’t tell your manager what your “old manager” did. Unless you are specifically asked about your old job, your new boss and co-workers don’t need to know what you did at your old job.

Don’t be too trusting of your new co-workers

Until you know that your co-workers are being nice and not fishing for information to use against you, you should remain slightly guarded. Don’t be a wallflower. You should get to know your co-workers. However, be aware because you might be in a situation where a co-worker may have wanted your job and might want to one-up you to the boss. Also, be sure to stay neutral and not to take sides. Get to know the dynamics of the workspace before you engage in situations you may not have enough information about yet.

Don’t complain too much

Nobody likes a complainer. You may have an uncomfortable chair or the schedule isn’t your favorite. Keep the complaining to a minimum. You’ll get through the adjustment period.

Don’t be a know-it-all

Just because you know what your new boss or colleague is talking about doesn’t mean you won’t learn something new from what they have to say. Be willing to learn new things and pay attention to what your new boss and co-workers have to say.

**Bonus – A Great Way to Impress your New Boss!

Take Initiative

On your first day, take some initiative to jump into your position head on. As the new employee, you’re still establishing your reputation and if you get a head start on your work, it will give you a positive reputation. If you get an offer to work on a project outside of your job description, try it. This will show your boss that you are versatile and willing to learn, which are impressive qualities.