Your First Week on the Job: How to Make a Great Impression

Congratulations on landing your new job! Now comes the hard part—demonstrating to your new employers that they made the right choice in hiring you.

A Twitter poll revealed that 22% of respondents didn’t last a full day at a new job, while 14% couldn’t stay beyond 10 days. Executives can often gauge within two weeks whether new hires will succeed or not. Although this is a brief window, there’s good news: much of what you need to do in that first week involves observing and listening.

You might be eager to dive in and start making changes, but Jaime Petkanics, founder of The Prepary, advises, “My best advice for the first week at a new job is to listen and observe first, and act second. Use your first week on the job to get the lay of the land, learn and listen. Once you have a really solid understanding of what’s going on, who your key partners are, and where you can add value, then start moving and making an impact.”

Learn Team and Company Culture

Understanding how your team works is crucial, but so is grasping the informal aspects of company culture. Alison Green, author of Ask a Manager, notes: “You can risk coming across as tone-deaf if you don't pay attention to all the signals around you.” Pay attention to things like work hours, lunch breaks, and communication styles. If colleagues eat at their desks or discuss TV shows, adapt to these behaviors to blend in smoothly, both socially and professionally.

Ask the Right Questions

Always ask questions if you need clarification, but ensure they are not something you could have figured out on your own. Kate Gremillion, founder of Mavenly + Co., advises: “When in doubt, turn to Google first, co-worker second.” Avoid questions that could be easily answered with a bit of research.

Don’t Be the First or Last to Leave

While you might think staying late will show your dedication, overworking can lead to burnout and stress. Alexandra Levit, author of They Don't Teach Corporate in College, suggests: “Carefully watch what time people in your department leave the office. Aim to depart at the midpoint.” Being neither the first out nor the last one to leave will help you avoid setting unrealistic expectations for yourself.

Set Expectations

After you’ve settled in, use the first week to discuss expectations with your manager. Green recommends: “Ask your new manager what a successful first month and first six months would look like.” This conversation will provide you with clear goals and help you align your efforts with your manager’s expectations.

Final Thoughts

You might make a few missteps during your first week, but don’t worry too much. The “new kid” phase offers some leeway. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make a positive impression and transition smoothly into your new role.