10 Tips for Starting a New Job

Congratulations. You convinced someone to hire you as a trainee. It’s your first day on the job and you know little about what you will be doing. But you want to make a good impression. Here’s how, in 10 simple steps.

1. Be prepared. Learn as much about the company and co-workers as you possibly can. Much information can be gleaned from asking the right questions during your job interview(s). Beyond that, spend time studying the company’s website and any printed materials you may have been given. Talk to anyone you know who might be familiar with the company and its personnel.
2. Be punctual. One of the worst things you can do is show up late on your first day. Make it a point to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before starting time, even if it means hanging around with nothing to do. Allow for unexpected traffic delays.
3. Dress neatly. For a trade position you probably won’t be dressed in suit and tie, but make sure your work clothes are clean and pressed and shoes shined. Take a shower that morning and be sure you are well groomed. Abide by any rules you might have been given ahead of time, such as no tattoos showing or hair trimmed to a certain length.
4. Listen and learn. New information will be coming at you hot and heavy. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand, and listen more than you talk.
5. Observe and learn. Not everything you need to know will be told to you. Pay attention to your surroundings and how people interact with one another. This will give clues about who wields influence within the organization. You want to be sure to become friendly with them.
6. Get to know your bosses. I’m referring both to the owner or otherwise highest-ranking person and to your immediate supervisor. Try to detect what pleases them and what sets them off. Pay attention to people in charge of various departments and activities. As time goes on you may need favors from them, and the best way to get them is to reciprocate by being helpful to them in any way you can.
7. Be polite and respectful. Sprinkle your conversations with plenty of “Please … thank you … Excuse me” language. Avoid profanity, even if others use foul language.
8. Show enthusiasm. Do things you’re told to do with a smile, even if the tasks are menial or seem to make no sense to you. Some people may take advantage of you as a newbie and ask you to do chores that waste your time, but wait until you’ve established a track record of reliability and congeniality before you challenge anyone.
9. Avoid gossip and negativity. It’s possible that you may encounter a disgruntled employee who will criticize certain people or policies. Don’t let them recruit you into their dark world. Stay upbeat and try to befriend those with a positive attitude. A favorite saying of mine is, “It’s hard to soar with eagles when you’re surrounded by turkeys.”
10. Express gratitude. Tell the people who hired you that you appreciate their confidence in you and do everything you can to make theirs a right decision.