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You might be nervous, new people, new things to learn, new situations to feel out, but it’s really not that hard to impress when you are starting a new job.
I promise.
After all, of all the candidates you were selected, and you were selected for a reason. You have the skills, and management deemed you worthy of their culture.
Starting a new job is one of my favorite times
It’s like returning to school after summer break, new and fresh. You can start out a superstar, even if you feel a little clueless!
These tips will ensure a smooth transition into the workforce whether you’re a new college grad or a seasoned work vet. Get into the swing of success.
1. Boost Your Confidence
Congratulations are certainly in order! I hope that you landed your dream job!
Now that you have a start date, where and what have you been putting off? Has it been forever since you’ve gotten a haircut? Laundry piles everywhere?
Time to polish yourself up to feel super confident before starting a new job. Set a precedent for your appearance and your work ethic.
First impressions are always the most important. Checklist: facial, haircut, massage, and nail appointment… get these out-of-the-way. Of course, I recommend a DIY facial and doing your own nails to save money… however, don’t beat yourself up and splurge if you can afford it, after all, it’s an investment in your future.
2. Before Starting a New Job Clean Up Your Social Media
As a professional, all your social media outlets need to be on lockdown. We are in the age of technology and employers are going to try to gather as much information about you as possible.
Employers will even spy on your social media after you’re hired. There have been many cases of people getting fired for company defamation on Facebook. (Be smarter than talking badly about your employer online.)
Before you even begin your job search, you should make sure that your social media is clean and professional.
Take all those party pictures down! They aren’t going to paint a pretty picture. It will feel mentally cleansing in preparation for your next step in life. When starting a new job, your coworkers are going to be curious. Save yourself a little embarrassment.
3. Research and Get to Know the Company
Ok, you already got the job. BUT research the company you are working at. Spend 5-10 minutes on the company’s website. Get more familiar with its value proposition statement, the core values and future goals. This information pops up all the time!
Your manager will be impressed that you are aware of what the company stands for and will see you as the part of the team that was always missing.
4. Bring Your Identification
If you haven’t already completed your new hire paperwork, be sure and bring two forms of ID to work the first day. You can also bring a passport. Companies are required to submit an I-9 to the state within 3 days of employment to prove that you are legally allowed to work in the U.S.when starting a new job.
5. Make a Survival Kit
Should you walk into the building and find everything neat and laid out for you, I would consider it a miracle. Often times your first day is exhausting and confusing.
Shuffle here and there, from space to space and person to person. People give you lots of things to fill out and random places to be. It can feel overwhelming.
Keep it together with your survival pack.
Bring a bag with the essentials for your first couple of days! Mine includes: water bottle, granola bars, multiple pens, lunch, a notebook, a toothbrush, nail file, cash, and a credit card. I also like to have Tums for antacid relief.
Grab a granola bar, eat it in the bathroom if you have to. Even if you brought your lunch, go out to eat with coworkers.
The first week and starting a new job is about being a flexible teammate.
6. Remember No One Really Knows How Much You ‘Know’.
When someone first meets you, they don’t ‘know’ what your professional level is.
If the first thing you say to someone is “omg, I’m so nervous this is my first job!”
Boom!…that’s how they will forever think of you.
Try to keep your cool. Anyone checking you out is only wondering where you came from, and probably where you got your blouse lol. That’s it. No one knows you are a ball of nerves… unless you tell them.
7. Keep Your Colleagues in a ‘WorkBox’
We all make friends, it’s natural. However, I would take your time to observe the current office dynamic before you try to find your work bestie.
You never know who is in line for the next promotion.
You don’t know if you are talking to your bosses’ relative, boyfriend or rival. Maintain professionalism at all times around your co-workers.
You’ll have plenty of time in the future to find someone you click with. Be patient and don’t paint yourself into a corner.
8. Find Out the Dress Code
During your orientation, HR will give you a ‘New Hire Handbook’. This will definitely include what the company’s dress code is.
There are some REALLY comfortable, very professional, options for you in almost all department stores, and a sale is easy to find.
Most of your ‘satin-y’ or silky shirts are actually affordable polyester. Snag some basic colors and some floral. The color combinations are endless.
Usually, a polyester blouse will be flouncy and loose which makes it fit perfectly under a blazer. More importantly, you will have freedom of movement! Tailored button-downs have their place, but make sure you are comfortable!
If your workday entails walking of any kind, then wedges are where it’s at! Cute, comfortable shoes will unknowingly help you move more on a day-to-day basis.
Don’t Forget
You should be getting up and walking around every hour to keep everything circulating correctly.
If you insist on some skyscraper shoes, make sure to stash a pair of sneakers or slippers under your desk. Your feet will forever be grateful. Check out my favorites from Amazon. Cute, comfy shoes for working women.
To keep my flats nice and clean I use sock inserts. Love these and they’re washable. No more sweaty, stinky feet.
9 Plan Ahead
On Sunday nights, pull five outfits and grab everything needed to complete that outfit including accessories and shoes. This should definitely be a weekly habit. I waste so much time in the morning trying to figure out what to wear, I need to stick to this one myself!
*Black leggings are not work clothes!!* It baffles me why some people have deemed leggings ‘work-wear’? It’s just a no-no…Until you see your boss wearing them, stick to slacks.
Getting sent home because your attire isn’t “professional” will be mortifying. Always opt for a more conservative look till you feel out of the office.
10. Get a Tote
Get a work bag to haul your necessities! I had a train commute, so my zippered tote was a lifesaver! Have a designated work bag to keep yourself organized. A large tote will allow you to bring water, lunch, and anything else you need without having to juggle 3-4 different bags.
Check out 17 Purse Essentials for the items you need to feel organized.
11. Sit Down With Your New Boss to Discuss Expectations.
Within the first week of employment, your direct manager will more than likely try to sit down and have lunch with you. If you have any questions about what your responsibilities are or will be, now is your time to speak up! Your manager will appreciate your willingness to learn and your eagerness to succeed.
This is standard for your first week of employment. Your training will be discussed, as well as timelines for success. Chances are you will be directly linked with a more experienced co-worker to learn the ropes.
You entered a well-oiled machine, you’re not the first employee they hired. Have confidence in their process and timelines. You were hired because your manager has confidence that you will succeed! 
12. Be You!
Well…. be the ‘professional’ version of you. We spend 40 hours at work. That’s more time than we get at home with our families.
Be aware of your own happiness. Maybe you are already on your 3rd week and you are thinking “this isn’t the place for me”. That’s ok too!
Keep your eyes open for more happiness and opportunity. The worst thing you can do for your career, and your sanity, is to stick with a job because you think you have to.
More lifestyle tips before you go? You’ll love these!
Have you recently started a new job? I’d love to hear how your first week went.
Always remember your worth and be proud of what you have to offer. It is very hard to find great employees and your new boss will be grateful to have hard-working, conscientious addition to their team. It’s normal to feel anxious at first, but with communication, you will soon feel comfortable and confident.
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Questions and comments are always welcome. I really hope this post inspired you.
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Dressing comfortable and professional is key! You picked out some great outfits! I hope to do some work outfits on my blog too 🙂
I definitely NEEEED to be comfy haha. Thank you for stopping in! My favorite site is polyvore to create outfits without any extra programs. Super easy. xoxo
I completely agree with you. Specially about “Keeping you colleagues in a work box” I know of so many ‘just joined’ people who feed off gossip. Like on their second day itself. Pisses me of so much!
Oh my goodness. Office gossip is the worst, great point. Like come on don’t rock the boat. Thanks for stopping in.
These are such great tips! I always have the hardest time with my personal confidence!
I always think of a new job as Summer vacation before going into high school. No one knows you! It’s the best time to present yourself in that positive light from day one. A little bit of fake it till you make it and hopefully the confidence is contagious. Thanks for stopping in.
I like your tip about footwear! I should try wedges. I have also found kitten heels to be really comfortable and professional looking when I have to do walking/standing.
Elizabeth | Confidentlyelegant.com
Oh you are so right! Kitten heels are super comfy. For some reason I like how my pants ‘hang’ with a wedge. I defintely need more kitten heels for dresses. Thanks for the comment.
These are great tips! I love the last one, of course, “Be You”. So many of us get stuck in a job that doesn’t ‘fit’.
It’s so true. At my last job everyone got decent holiday time, so literally everyone would be 100000% miserable looking forward to their extra 3 days off. We can’t live like that anymore. I appreciate the comment.
Being comfortable in what you are wearing, in my opinion, is the most important thing. I remember sitting with my boss and talking about what he expects from me…That list was too long 😉
Sometimes you definitely want them to stop talking. Thanks for the comment.
What a great post for people starting a new job. I especially like the tip about having a survival pack with you with snacks and pens. Great idea! Also, being flexible and dressing professional is key. 🙂
http://laceedoeslife.com
Totally! I’ll bet you appreciate a good survival pack on your travels! Love your blog! Thanks for stopping in.
Yes I do!! Thanks so much Samantha! 🙂
Stay safe. Can’t wait to follow your next adventure.
Learn a lot and ask a lot of questions, be eager to learn as much as you can on your first day
Great point! It’s important to continue to learn and show that you appreciate the opportunity from day one! No one wants to work with an elitist. Thanks for the comment. xoxo
I love love love this list! I’m going to be starting a new job soon, and this article is super helpful. I especially love the advice about getting a haircut and a manicure, I would have never thought to do that!
Congrats on your new opportunity. At least with those gel manicures you can just go once a month (if you strrrretch it). Good luck on your new job. You will shine! xoxo
Oh my, this reminds me of those “first-days” on my previous jobs and current one. Now, Im planning on looking for new job, a remote job, for me to start my digital nomad life with my husband.
I’m with you on that one! Check out amazon, they have a lot of remote and telecommuter positions. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck on the nomad life. I’m excited to follow along.
Reading this makes me happy that I work online! I’m with you on the part about leggings not being suitable work attire… especially when there are so many comfortable (and stretchy) black pants out there!
Me too. Currently I work remotely, but I can’t imagine ever going back into an office. I’m excited to explore your blog. Looks absolutely gorgeous in your part <3. Thanks for stopping in.
Yes on the Clean up your social media! So important! You will be meeting tons of new people who will all look you up on your social. NO need to have those skeletons sitting right there for them to see!
Xoxo Christie
http://icanstyleu.com/blog/
So true!! Sometimes it feels good to just delete old pictures anyways. Out with the old in with the new! Can’t wait to check out your blog too.