The first day of the rest of your career: Tips for starting a new job

New beginnings are rarely easy, but that’s what makes storybook endings that much more satisfying. If you find yourself anxious and uncertain on the eve of starting a lucrative new position, it’s important to understand that it would be more concerning if you weren’t nervous. 

Feeling on edge just before starting a career’s next chapter is something of a rite of passage that everyone goes through at one time or another. Even those intimidating executives and corporate bosses that exude confidence and calm nowadays started out as nervous entry-level employees just like everyone else. Time, however, ranks as one of the great equalizers in this life, and that means awkward first days on the job are as fleeting as they are overwhelming. 

In all likelihood, you’ll be a valued member of the team in what feels like the blink of an eye. Of course, while it’s always advisable to focus on the excitement and possibilities that come with a new job and fresh professional title over the potential pitfalls, everyone still wants to make a stellar first impression. Revealingly, one poll featuring 2,000 professionals tells us the average person forms a first impression of someone else within just 27 seconds.¹ Moreover, 69% of people tend to make up their mind about another person before ever speaking to the individual in question.

Suffice to say, with figures like that in mind it’s understandable why so many professionals can’t help but feel skittish before starting a new position. Job interviews, after all, are often one-offs and you can always take comfort in the distinct possibility you’ll never see the interviewer again. Walking into the first day of a new job feels much more permanent. The beginning of a new era, and getting off on the right foot can help ensure a more smooth transition between awkward beginning and a new, improved normal. Here are a few tips to help ease the adjustment into a new job and make positive connections with new coworkers.

Remember body language

Words and conversations can be difficult all by themselves, but it’s key to also remember that body language counts when meeting new colleagues and settling into a fresh work environment. Remember to make eye contact with anyone you meet, as shying away from face to face interactions is never a good start to a working relationship. Besides that, try to sit up and stand straight, and avoid coating your face in a scowl. Ideally, you want to look busy and self-assured, while simultaneously friendly and approachable.

Keep your phone away

It’s always tempting to do a bit of scrolling during the dull moments that invariably occur during the workday, but science actually makes a strong case for keeping your smartphone locked away most of the time. A study published in Mobile Media & Communication found that when workers used their smartphones to take notes during business meetings, as opposed to using a notebook or laptop, they were perceived as less focused and incompetent.²

Don’t shy away from your struggle 

We all want to present the best version of ourselves to others, but surprising research published in the scientific journal Basic and Applied Social Psychology suggests hiding prior struggles and setbacks from coworkers is a mistake.³ It’s natural to want to highlight successes and high-points, but skills and achievements rarely come in the absence of effort. Acting as if your career has come to you effortlessly will largely come across as disingenuous to colleagues. 

Instead, researchers say detailing the actual effort and hard work that facilitated those accomplishments is a great way of making a lasting, positive impression. The more others understand how hard you’ve had to work to get to where you are, the more respect and good will you’ll garner.

Break bread

Don’t underestimate the benefits of sharing a delicious meal with coworkers. The break room can be an intimidating place for a new employee, but try to put in at least a little social time amongst your fellow colleagues. Always accept an invitation to lunch if one is extended, as breaking bread together can help you get a better sense of company culture in a more relaxed setting. Moreover, one relevant recent survey put together by the American Heart Association reports regularly sitting down to eat with others (yes, even coworkers!) can help relieve stress.⁴ 

Don’t sleep on small talk

Don’t make the mistake of assuming your only opportunities to make a strong impression are strictly professional. On the surface, small talk may appear inconsequential, but weekend plans and shared interests help colleagues and supervisors form a clearer picture of you as a person. A study published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE recently revealed that impressions formed during casual small talk between two participants often ended up influencing strategic decisions made later on while playing a collaborative game.⁵

^1. According to This Truly Surprising New Study, You Have Just 27 Seconds to Make a First Impression

^2. Expectations of technology use during meetings: An experimental test of manager policy, device use, and task-acknowledgment

^3. Impression (Mis) Management When Communicating Success

^4. New survey: 91% of parents say their family is less stressed when they eat together

^5. The role of personality beliefs and “small talk” in strategic behaviour