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Starting a New Job Advice: How to Get Off to a Successful Start

A straightforward guide to hitting the ground running on your first days at work.

Make It Work, Make It Right, Make It Fast


Getting off to a good start in your new job is not something you take for granted. We have all certainly experienced how exciting it is to start a new job. Starting with the joy that arises when, after the exhausting application process, you finally receive the hoped-for acceptance — a moment when starting a new job advice suddenly feels especially relevant. From this moment on, thoughts begin to circle in your head about what the start in the new job will be like. Will I be able to present myself as I really am? Can I confirm the good impression I made during the interview? What are my new colleagues like? Will they be friendly and bear with me if I'm nervous and don't do everything perfectly right from the start? How will the onboarding process go?

Tips for getting off to a good start in your new job

"There are no second chances for first impressions." In fact, the first impression is often decisive for the further course of a relationship or a certain situation. Therefore, even before starting a new job, it is undoubtedly helpful to think about various factors that can be helpful for a good start in the new job – especially if you are seeking practical starting a new job advice that works! The first day of work is like the first day of school used to be. Everything is unfamiliar - the rooms, the colleagues and the tasks even more so. As a "new" in the company, you first have to find your place in the team and the new colleagues have to get to know you and get used to you.

Preparation is everything for a good start in your new job!

So that you are not too nervous on your first days at work, prepare yourself well. Research what to expect on the Internet. Talk openly about your first time and ask about onboarding. Perhaps the company will also provide you with some material so that you can already familiarize yourself with your new position. Solid preparation is one of the most important pieces of starting a new job advice you can follow. This way, you won't be thrown in at the deep end, but will have important prior knowledge! Observe dress code for a successful job start Find out about the dress code. Some companies have a uniform dress code, which you should of course adhere to! At the job interview, you have probably already seen some colleagues. Perhaps you remember what they were wearing. Formal dress is appreciated when dealing with customers, because it conveys competence and self-confidence. To get off to a good start in your new job, it's important not to dress too smartly or too casually - both can spoil your job start. A good middle ground is ideal!

Punctuality for a good start in the new job!

Don't be late on your first day! Punctuality is a sign of reliability, respect and politeness towards other colleagues. Certainly, occasional lateness will be tolerated if you have been with the company for some time. After all, something can happen to anyone. However, for a successful first day or the entire first time in the new job, unpunctuality is a no-go! Friendliness is the be-all and end-all for a new job! A smile opens doors - and that can be indispensable for a good start in the new job! This is one of those timeless pieces of starting a new job advice: kindness goes a long way. With a friendly facial expression, you immediately appear more likeable, open and cordial. In this way, you also convey interest to your counterpart. If you're a little more shy, you can practice your natural smile at home in front of the mirror. In this way, you'll be able to get over new situations without getting tense and in a much more relaxed manner.

Keep your bearings when starting a new job

Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Where are the restrooms? Where is there coffee and water? What can you do on your break? Where can you get something to eat? It's best to ask a new colleague if he/she can show you around. This is also a good way to make your first contacts right away. Starting a new job advice often highlights how small orientation steps help you feel grounded faster. It is better to be active than passive for an optimal start in the new company! This applies to introductions as much as it does to your general behavior. At the beginning of the new job, you will probably be introduced once in a large group, but it is better if you also greet your colleagues personally. In these short conversations, mention your name, what you have done so far and a few words about you personally. This way, your counterpart will know about you right away and nothing will stand in the way of a good start in your new job! Also, try to remember the names of your new colleagues as much as possible right from the start. Nothing is more embarrassing than having to ask someone for their name over and over again, which can spoil the start in your new job. If you also emphasize that you are looking forward to working with them, you will leave a lasting impression. You are also welcome to ask a few questions during this round of introductions and to look a little more closely. After all, only those who observe closely can familiarize themselves with the new circumstances! For example, the hierarchies of the company will become much more transparent for you. Research has shown that new employees perform better when they ask more questions. Also, your new colleagues will immediately see that you are seriously interested in your new job and the activities involved. So go ahead and ask for a better start in the new job.

You are not alone in the new job!

Look for a reference person who will be at your side during the first period. This can be someone who is just new like you right now and also feels less anxious or nervous because of the contact with you. Or maybe there is someone in your department who "looks after" you. Or you already know some of your new colleagues from your private environment. The more contact you seek from day one, the easier it will be for you to settle into your new company. Many experts offering starting a new job advice recommend finding a “buddy” early—it makes everything easier.

Celebrate the start of your new job!

This event is a great way to get to know your colleagues better. Because there is often too little time for this during work. Therefore, be prepared to invite the team to a small get-acquainted party. Very important: A little something is enough! Nobody asks for a complete buffet! The first day is a courtesy from you and an appreciation for the new colleagues, so don't go overboard, but plan something cozy in a relaxed atmosphere. The best time for this is the common rooms and the time after the lunch break or directly after work. To ensure that as many colleagues as possible come, invite them personally so that everyone knows about it. And when the day has come and everyone is enjoying the cake - preferably homemade - you will see that you have actually arrived well at the company and that the job start has been a wonderful success!

Ready for a successful new beginning? Discover our current job openings on our job board or send us your unsolicited application – we look forward to supporting you on your next career step!


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