Imagine ... you’ve landed the job you’ve been hoping for. The offer’s signed, your notice period is done and dusted, and Monday morning is fast approaching. You’ve already posted your "new beginnings" selfie on Instagram, got your work clothes ready, and rehearsed your “Hi, I’m the new person” line about 38 times. But now the nerves are starting to creep in, what if you mess it up on day one?
Don’t worry. First-day jitters are perfectly normal, whether you’re a fresh grad or moving into a senior role. The good news is, with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can make a brilliant impression and settle in quicker than you think. Here's how to hit the ground running.
The Night Before: Prep Like a Pro
Let’s start before the starting line. The night before your first day can make a world of difference.
Plan your outfit: Make sure it’s clean, fits well, and suits the company culture. If you’re unsure, lean slightly more formal, you can always tone it down later.
Check your route: If you’re going into an office, figure out your commute. Factor in extra time for unexpected delays. Arriving late on your first day is not ideal.
Pack your bag: Bring a notebook, a pen, a reusable water bottle, and any documents or ID you’ve been asked to provide.
Get a good night’s sleep: It’s hard to fake enthusiasm when you’re running on fumes.
Now you’re ready to face the big day.
First Impressions Count
You’ve heard it before because it’s true. People form opinions quickly, so your first few hours matter. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Arrive Early - But Not Too Early
Aim to arrive around 10–15 minutes early. Too early and you might catch your manager off guard, too late and, well… you’ll be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
2. Smile and Be Friendly
It sounds obvious, but a genuine smile goes a long way. Say hello to people, introduce yourself confidently, and use people’s names if you catch them.
3. Dress the Part
Even if the office vibe is casual, your appearance should be neat and polished. It shows you care and that you’ve made the effort.
Scenario One: The Silent Office
You’re shown to your desk, and it’s... quiet. Like, library-level quiet. No one’s talking, no one’s acknowledging your awkward little wave, and the person next to you is wearing headphones and clearly not up for a chat.
What to do?
Don’t panic. Offices all have different vibes, some take a while to warm up. Instead of forcing conversation, use this time to:
Get familiar with your workspace and login details
Take notes if someone’s giving you an intro or walkthrough
Observe how others communicate, is it mostly over Slack, email, or face-to-face?
Later in the day, try to approach one or two colleagues during a natural break (e.g., lunch or coffee time) and strike up a simple conversation: “Hi, I’m new, I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself properly yet.” Most people appreciate the effort.
Scenario Two: The Overwhelming Onboarding
You sit down, and within five minutes, someone’s throwing acronyms at you like it’s an Olympic sport. Systems, team structures, jargon, it’s all coming at once and none of it’s sticking.
What to do?
First of all, breathe. No one expects you to remember everything on day one. Be honest and say something like, “I’m taking notes, but I might need to go over this again later, there’s a lot to take in.” People will respect your honesty and proactive attitude.
Pro tip: Write down every acronym or term you don’t understand, then look them up later or ask your manager. It shows initiative and keeps you in the loop.
Scenario Three: The Social Whirlwind
Lucky you - the team’s sociable, chatty, and by 11am they’ve already invited you out for a pint on Friday. Sounds great, but you’re trying to remember three hundred new things, and small talk isn’t your strong suit.
What to do?
Don’t feel pressured to be the life and soul immediately. Be warm, interested, and open to social interaction - even if it’s just saying yes to lunch or the Friday pint. You don’t have to do all the talking; just being present and engaged is enough at first.
How to Settle in Quickly
Settling in takes time, but there are some simple ways to speed up the process.
1. Ask Questions
Yes, it might feel like you’re being annoying, but asking thoughtful questions shows you’re curious and invested. Try to group questions so you’re not interrupting constantly, and keep a running list to go over with your manager.
2. Take Initiative
Finished your onboarding tasks early? Ask for more. Not sure what to do next? Offer to help someone. Employers love a self-starter. You’ll stand out if you show you’re ready to roll up your sleeves.
3. Learn the Company Culture
Culture isn’t just about dress code and work hours, it’s about how people communicate, how feedback is given, what behaviours are rewarded, and how success is measured. Pay attention to how your team operates. Are meetings formal or relaxed? Do people email or chat informally? Adapt accordingly.
4. Introduce Yourself
Don’t just wait for people to come to you. Take the initiative to pop over to someone’s desk (or send a friendly message if you’re remote) and introduce yourself. A simple “Hi, I’m [Your Name], just joined as [Your Role] - looking forward to working with you!” goes a long way.
Show You’re Motivated (Without Overdoing It)
You want to seem keen — not desperate. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
Take notes: It shows you’re paying attention.
Ask for feedback: After a task, check in and ask how you did.
Volunteer: If there’s an opportunity to help, offer. Just don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Be reliable: If you say you’ll do something, follow through. Trust builds fast - and breaks just as quickly.
Getting Along with Colleagues
Building relationships at work takes time, but you can lay solid foundations from day one:
Be respectful and approachable: Listen as much as you speak.
Don’t get involved in gossip: It's tempting when you’re new, but steer clear. Stay neutral until you know the lay of the land.
Find common ground: Whether it’s a shared love of tea or a mutual hatred of the office coffee, little connections build rapport.
Remember: people won’t remember everything you say or do - but they will remember how you made them feel. Be kind, humble, and open, and the rest will follow.
What to Avoid
Just as important as what you should do is what to steer clear of:
Moaning about your last job: It comes across as bitter.
Acting like you know it all: Even if you’ve got heaps of experience, listen first.
Being glued to your phone: It looks like you’re disengaged. Save the scrolling for after hours.
Over-apologising: It’s okay not to know everything - you’re new, not a nuisance.
Final Thoughts
Your first day is just that - the first of many. Don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect. What matters more than impressing everyone is showing that you’re reliable, eager to learn, and a good person to have on the team.
So take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
If you know someone who might find this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—please share it.
You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
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