How to succeed at a new job

You’ve landed your dream job (congratulations) and your first day at a new job is approaching. In the days before you officially start, you may experience waves of panic, nervousness, and moments of doubt. This is perfectly normal and natural, when going through big changes, such as starting a new job. You’ll no doubt have lots on your mind, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re feeling nervous about starting a new job or you want advice on how to succeed at a new job, our latest career advice article has been developed to help you get settled quickly.

Read our tips for starting a new job

If you require any additional training to get you ready for your new job, explore our full range of training courses and qualifications.

Why a good first impression is important

First impressions count and are often remembered long after your first day at a new job is over. This is partly due to something called ‘primacy effect’, which is a cognitive bias, referring to our tendency to remember the first piece of information we receive better than other information we receive afterwards.

Remember, you will be watched from different areas of the business and for different reasons. Be the best you can, as quickly as you can for the best experience. It’s human nature to compare, and your colleagues are no different. Perceptions will be formed about you relatively quickly, so putting your best foot forwards is best practice when you first enter your new workplace. While snap judgements are often short-term, they can turn into long-term perceptions that could impact your success within the business.

It’s also good to start off your time in your new role with positive momentum. The quicker you get into the groove and gain momentum, the faster you will settle into your role and start performing at your best.

Read our tips for passing your probation at work

What employers will be looking for

Irrespective of what business you’re in, what job function you perform, or where in the world you’re based, your employer will ultimately be looking for you to not only be capable at fulfilling the job function outlined in your job description, but they will also be watching to make sure you can also carry out certain soft skills and technical skills.

These may include:

Teamwork - Most of us are a smaller part of a larger team, with everyone's effort adding to the success of the business.

Professionalism - Being polite, calm, presentable, and well-spoken is part of being professional at work.

Problem-solving - Bring your best efforts forward when it comes to problem solving. Try to stick at a problem until you have found out a resolution.

Dependability & reliability - If you can be relied and depended on, your team and senior management can trust you to do the things you say you will do, when you say you'll do them by. Take responsibility for your actions.

Honesty and integrity – When you’re nervous about starting a new job it can be easy to fall into the trap of exaggerating the truth or even saying the wrong thing by mistake. Sometimes taken for granted by employees and employers alike, being truthful with those around you (such as discussing workload, work/life balance, difficult customers, and ineffective procedures) is an important factor for a healthy environment in your workplace.

Creativity & Innovation - Try to be at the forefront of the ideas coming out of your department. Stagnation is the enemy of growth.

Positive attitude - A positive attitude in the workplace can be infectious and help improve the energy in your team.

Discover what makes a successful team

Things to avoid doing in your new job

We have mentioned the things you can do to have a positive impact early on in your new job, but what should you avoid doing when starting a new job? We have developed a list of 10 things you should avoid early on in your new job:

Be punctual – We can’t stress this enough! Being late is never good but when you’re still on your probation, it can be the thing that stops you from passing your probation.

Dress professionally – Speak with your Hiring Manager or Recruiter to gauge at what the standard dress code is before your first day. This way you can be prepare and sure you’re wearing something suitable.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Your team will understand that it takes time to settle in and fully understand the way the business works. Don’t be afraid to ask your team for help in those early stages while you’re finding your feet. Be inquisitive – it’s all part of the process when starting a new job.

Avoid using your personal mobile phone – We’re all guilty of checking personal emails, booking holidays, or catching up with our social media feeds, but it’s advisable to keep all personal phone use to your breaks and lunchtime.

Be a self-starter and a go-getter – After a potentially limited induction and period of support, you will start to work in the function you were brought in for, and this may involve working on your own, especially in smaller companies. You must be sure you can ask for support where needed but also get on with the tasks at hand on your own, where possible.

Be cautious when suggesting changes early on – While you’ve been hired to perform a function in your new role (which may involve providing strategic feedback), so early on in your career in a new industry or sector, it’s advisable to avoid the temptation to suggest new policies or strategies in the first few weeks. Allow time to get settled and get a feel for how the organisation (and your senior leadership team) works first.  

Be truthful – It can be easier than you may think to get caught up in a lie when speaking with your colleagues and managers.

Interested in undertaking additional training to support you on your journey in your new career? Call us to speak with one of our Course Consultants on +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 or fill out our contact form, and someone will be in touch with you to discuss your training options.