​The impression you make doesn’t end after you get the job. It’s important to make a great impression on your first day too and to ensure you are living up to what you sold in your interviews.

Here are some of our top tips on how to prepare for your first day at a new job, and how to leave a great impression on your new colleagues.

Plan your outfit

If not stated in your contract, you should have a good idea of the company dress code standards from what your manager was wearing in the interview stage. This can help you choose what to wear. Though it will be your own style and expression of self, it should suit and fit into the same level of professionalism shown by others in the company. Also make sure your outfit is ironed and clean. Your outfit is attached to your positive body language and will leave a good impression instantly.

Prepare some questions for new people you will be meeting

You may meet just your team, or perhaps managers from other departments. Prepare some questions to get to know more about the business operations and the people themselves. This not only shows you are eager to learn but also that you are personable.

Prepare your commute and get there early

Being late on your first day can be a real concern for new employers. Plan your trip and leave earlier than usual. If you are too early, you can always grab a coffee or tea before you head into the office.

Smile and be friendly, try to make a friend!

Be polite and get to know the people you’re working with. This will not only help you feel settled and confident but it will also make others feel comfortable with you.

Really take in your onboarding materials, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

It’s not all about socialising, it’s good to get your head around the onboarding materials and anything you don’t understand upfront. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything that confuses you. This shows good communication and that you are actually focusing on the information in front of you.

Don’t do a sloppy job

If your manager asks you to complete a task on your first day or for the week, don’t rush to do it because you want to impress them. Really listen to the task at hand, ask questions and do the job properly. A good job is more impressive than a fast one that requires too much feedback.

If you are invited to lunch, go!

This is a good opportunity to get to know your team and for them to learn about you. This will make it easier for everyone to work together.

Be observant, scope out the culture and professional rules in play

By observing and learning about your surroundings you will be able to understand the norm in your workplace and what professional standards need to be upheld. You’ll also recognise peoples behaviour and be able to decide how you will deal with and socialise with certain characters in future.

Do not engage with gossiping employees

On that note, if there are any employees who try to talk to you about Jan in Finance, or how annoying their manager is, or how that Brad in I.T is so lazy, just ignore them and try to change the subject to something more positive. You could ask, ‘how long have you worked here?’ or ‘what do you love about working here?’. Don’t get caught up in office politics, especially on your first day!

Be yourself

Being yourself is important to have genuine interactions and form lasting work relationships with your colleagues. If you are a little shyer, that’s okay, you can still smile and be friendly. If you love a good chat, don’t subdue your personality, chat away about appropriate subjects. You will want people to get to know the real you.

Keep a positive attitude and positive body language!

Avoid looking unapproachable and grumpy. Even if you feel a little overwhelmed, remember, it’s only your first day! You have plenty of time to learn and ease into your new job. Relax and enjoy your first day, taking in your experience with gratitude will help keep your attitude and body language positive.

Avoid slouching, crossing your arms, frowning, rolling your eyes and other negative behaviours that can come across as rude or cold.

Say goodbye when you leave

If you’re a shy person, or just like to slip away, this one is for you. Remember to say goodbye when you leave, you can even thank them for lunch, or say thank you for the day. Even a simple, ‘have a good night, see you tomorrow’ will suffice! This is just good manners.