11 Do's and Don'ts for Starting a New Job
Are you about to start a new job? Although it's exciting to begin a new phase of your career, it can also be stressful and a little scary to start a new job. If you take some time to plan, though, it will be easier to get off to a great start.
One way to alleviate some of the stress is to take some time to plan and get organized. If you're currently employed, give notice to your employer (two weeks is typical), and let your coworkers know that you're moving on. Here are tips for resigning gracefully while maintaining a good relationship with your boss and colleagues.
Plan your arrival at your new workplace as carefully as you did when leaving your old job. If you can, schedule a break between jobs. Taking a few days off, or even going on vacation if you can afford it, is a great way to decompress, relax, and start anew with a refreshed and engaged mind.
Create an Action Plan
Start your planning by making a "to-do" list. What do you need to get done before you start work? Take care of any appointments you need to schedule ahead of time. That way, you won't need to be asking for time off right away.
If you need to figure out transportation, child care, elder care, doggy daycare, or anything else you need in place prior to starting work, don't wait to get it lined up. The more organized you are, the smoother the transition will be.
Also, make a "to-do" list for starting your new job—you can use this checklist to help you get started. Taking the time to prepare ahead of time will help your first day on the job be a successful one.
Listening and learning should be on that list. One of the best bosses Alison ever had told her that whenever he started a new job, he spent the first couple of weeks immersing himself into the organization. He wanted a thorough understanding of how the company, his role, and his team worked before making any suggestions or sharing his input.
Of course, everyone's job is different, but taking the time to learn as much as you can from everyone you meet at work is excellent advice.
There are other things you can do, as well, to make your first days and weeks on the job a positive, exciting, and fun experience.
11 Do's and Don'ts for Starting a New Job
Here are some suggestions for what you can do, and what you shouldn't do, to help you ensure a smooth transition to your new position.
1. Get the Facts
It's absolutely fine to ask questions ahead of time. Depending on your organization, you can ask Human Resources or your supervisor any questions you have. If you're not sure who to ask, check with the person who offered you the job. Find out about your work schedule, the hours per week you are expected to work, salary, benefits, and any other information you need to come on board successfully.
2. Figure Out What to Wear
What you wore to the job interview may not be what you will wear on the job. If you haven't been given a dress code, ask what the appropriate attire is for your workplace. Have a few work outfits ready so you don't have to scramble to find clothes to wear.
3. Check Out the Company's Social Media Policy
Some companies don't care about employees posting on Facebook, X, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or other social media sites during working hours. Others have policies that prohibit it. Find out what is acceptable before you start posting.
Take the time to vet your social pages. Some of your new coworkers or even your new boss might want to connect with you online. Make sure what they can view is suitable for public consumption. Check your privacy settings and be careful about who gets to see what.
4. Don't Presume You Know Anything
Being humble is worth a lot when you're starting a new job. Nobody likes a know-it-all, especially someone who doesn't really know anything about the job or the organization. Instead, take the time to listen and learn before you start giving advice.
5. Be Nice
Being nice goes a long way, too. People like nice people, and if you're nice to everyone, you're going to get ahead. Remember that some of the people at the bottom of the pay scale know more about the inner workings of the company than those at the top. That's one of the reasons why being nice to everyone you meet is important.
6. Do Arrive a Little Early
One easy way to help minimize the stress of starting a new position is to do a trial run before you start the job. If you're working on-site, figure out your transportation and where you're going. Make the trip a few days ahead of time to see how long it takes, giving yourself a cushion for traffic or other delays. Then, give yourself a little extra time so you can arrive at work a few minutes early on your first day.
If you’re working remotely, have all your equipment set and ready to go ahead of time. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to get your office organized.
7. Don't Be Afraid To Ask for Help and Advice
There is no such thing as a stupid question when you're starting a job. Your employer would prefer that you ask. That's easier than having to fix a mistake. You won't be expected to know everything, and it's better to ask for help than to guess.
8. Ask for Feedback
Feedback is especially beneficial when you're starting a job. Ask your supervisor how you're doing, ask if they can give you any advice, and ask for suggestions on what you can improve upon.
9. Build Relationships
Relationship building can be hard, especially if you're the new kid on the block. It can be harder when you don't have an outgoing personality, and meeting new people is a challenge. Do your best to be friendly and warm, and again, asking for advice is always a good way to break the ice.
10. Be Flexible
Allow yourself some extra time to adjust to the job when you're first starting out. Leave room in your schedule to come in early or stay late, if necessary. Spending extra time upfront can help you navigate your learning curve and increase your comfort level with your new responsibilities.
11. Try Not To Stress Too Much
Think of your new job as the next exciting step in your career path. Don't expect to learn everything at once. It's all new to you, and it will take time. If you feel yourself getting stressed, take a deep breath, collect yourself, and remember that you aren't expected to get it all at once.
Even though you're bringing a wealth of skills and experience to the organization, it will still take some time for everything to fall into place.
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