CONGRATULATIONS!! Just hired! What to do next....

After a rigorous and exasperating job search and recruitment process, you've finally landed the job you have been working so hard for; congratulations are in order! Now, the real work begins. It's time to walk the talk and continue making that good impression into your brand-new workplace. Being anywhere new is always nerve-wracking; it’s a perfect mix of excitement, uncertainty, and anxiety. You're either underprepared or overly prepared, but the latter will always work out in your favor.

While one can never be too ready for their next career path, here are important tips to help you thrive on your first few days with the new job:

 Familiarize the commute to work

Most employees are late for work due to the commute; either from an unexpected detour, construction caused a delay, or simply because they got lost. That is not a good impression to have on your first day. Which is why it's wise to familiarize the commute from home to work and alternative routes in case there will be detours. On your first day of work, leave extra early for any unexpected events that might interfere with your schedule. This way, you can guarantee that you will not be late for work no matter what roadblocks come your way.

Dress to impress

That rule of thumb does not stop after the interview. While some companies provide a uniform, some don't. Either way, it's wise to plan your outfit ahead of time. If your company provides uniforms, this doesn't mean you simply throw it on and hope for the best. Make sure that your overall look is neat and clean; proper grooming included. Hair: up, down, or does it need a trim? Beard: yes or no? Nails: clean, clearly polished, appropriate in length? Clothes: ironed, crisp, and sharp? Shoes: clean and shiny? Since you already got the job, it's time to dress the part. Don't go overboard and outshine your boss, but don't be underdressed where you don't fit in the environment and be mistaken for a non-employee.

 Socialize and make nice

It can be intimidating being around new people, especially those who have seniority over you. Instinct might dictate you to be on the defensive by avoiding eye contact, keeping quiet, or crossing your arms. This will make you look aloof - even without meaning to. You want to avoid that on your first day. One way of socializing without the fear of botched small talks hovering over your head is introducing yourself to as many colleagues as possible. Prepare a short pitch about yourself as well. You may be asked for more details, like where you're from, your position in the company, and so on. 

Don’t rush

No one expects you to absorb everything on the first day. While making a good impression is vital during your onboarding process, don't forget to pace yourself. It's more important to get familiar and comfortable with your new environment during your first few days, so there is no need to rush to stand out or know everything there is to know within the organization within a day's work. Besides, there is always tomorrow for that.

Be earnest with company orientation & briefings

Although you will not learn and retain everything about the company's culture, policies, and structure in one day, you must pay close attention during orientation & briefings. Prepare a list of relevant questions in advance. By the time the orientation finishes, you would have some answers to the items on your list. Any remaining questions you may have, it's best to ask them before the orientation process concludes. It's essential to pay attention during the orientation process because it will spark curiosity within you. Keenness to learn more is always a welcome trait and being appropriately curious gets you noticed.

 Practice the two-week observation rule

Probably one of the best advice for new hires is, "whenever you're somewhere new, hold your tongue, keep your eyes open, and have one ear to the ground for two straight weeks." It's good to be eager, but be careful not to be too eager. When you're in a new role, inspiration kicks in, and new ideas would flow. It may seem like the most natural thing to pitch in ideas or suggestions in improving certain procedures however, for the next two weeks, restrain yourself. This is because you are not yet privy to the company's history and culture; what's the norm, professional and unwritten rules, how decisions are made, how ideas are pitched, how systems are implemented, and so on. Giving your unsolicited two-cents early on may result in you stepping on someone's shoes. Nerves and bouts of anxiety is inevitable when starting something new. And starting a new job is no exception. Be as prepared as you can be, be yourself, stay optimistic. And if all else fails, it never hurts to smile. Good luck and, once again, congratulations on your new job!