First Day on the Job? Here’s What Your Boss Wants You to Do


Posted September 15, 2017

The first day at the new job is a little like your first day of school: Filled with hope, expectation and excitement. Everyone wants to begin a new job on the proper foot, but chances are you're going to run into a few small hiccups.

The best way to start out a new job is to make a good impression with your new boss. Below are a few tips you might want to keep in mind when trying to do just that.

Make Connections

If you sit at your workstation or desk for most of the first day and invest little time meeting other people, it'll take more time to troubleshoot issues and find answers. Walk around as much as possible, say hello to random people in the elevator, kitchen, or bathroom and eat lunch with a big group of co-workers. When talking to your new co-workers, ask them what they do, both at the company and outside of work.

Getting to know people on day one will pay off in the end. Begin with the group that's nearest to you, the people you'll be directly collaborating with. Realize these folks should want to get you started on the right foot, since your work will directly impact theirs.

Deliver on the Personal Brand You Sold

Your brand as a professional is comprised of your technical know-how and your general disposition, which means showing up in a good mood is just as important as finishing projects properly and on time. Supervisors want employees who are both pleasant to talk to and capable of getting stuff done.

You also now have to deliver on the brand you effectively sold in the interview. Make it your goal to show you are who you said you were. So, if you sold the company on your ability with numbers, take a particular interest in working with company data.

It also helps to start documenting your achievements, significant contributions, and positive feedback. This gets you in the habit of being prepared for performance reviews and salary negotiations.

Establish Clear Expectations

If your supervisor's expectations are different from your own, or if you don't know your specific onboarding plan, the first day is the time to discuss it.

Use an initial meeting to determine what the company thinks success will be for the first week, month, and three months. From communication methods to productivity objectives, it’s important to set the right tone. Not defining expectations will likely lead to frustration for everyone.

Take Charge of Your Development

Managers love it when new employees take ownership of their own onboarding. If you don't have adequate material to keep you busy, make the most of the free time by going over your team's projects and getting up to speed on the most recent developments. Next, make a good impression by asking for an assignment or volunteering to help out based on your research.

At Ambassador, we follow up with our contract workers throughout the onboarding process to maximize their chances for success in a new job assignment. If you are curious how we can help you take the next step on your career path, please contact us today to work with a full-service staffing firm.