6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job

The first week of any new job can seem a little overwhelming. It’s probably the one week where you’ll have the most “ramping up” to do throughout your time at a company. Here are a few tips to make sure you nail that week, no matter what the job entails.

1. Ask lots of questions

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. This isn’t the only week you’re allowed to ask questions, but it’s the week when everyone will want to help. Don’t worry about being annoying; you’re expected to have a lot of questions, and asking them shows that you’re eager to learn. Just make sure you ask things that will help you learn and keep track of people’s answers so you won’t be asking the same questions over and over again. Most importantly, if you have a question that isn’t specific to the company, be sure to Google it first so that you’re not asking obvious questions.

2. Don’t be the last one in, or the first one out

The first week is all about first impressions, so it’s important to demonstrate your commitment by being in the office as much as possible. Being one of the first people in and one of the last to leave is a great way to show everyone that you’re a hard worker. It also shows that you are eager to learn and participate. You’re not just there to clock in and clock out, you want to show you’re dedicated and willing to go the extra mile to be a valuable team member.

3. Learn the office

Figure out where everything in the office is. Where’s the bathroom, printer, kitchen and coffee machine? You should definitely try to figure things out on your own before tapping someone on the shoulder, but don’t be afraid to ask about how the bathroom situation works or which snacks are on- and off-limits.

4. Pay attention to people’s routines

Pay close attention to your co-workers’ daily routines. This applies especially to your boss or supervisor and other people in your position who have been there for a while. Learn what the high performers in your role are doing well and incorporate that into your new routine. Don’t be afraid to ask what makes people successful at the company. This is the best way to get a sense of what you can do to succeed in your own position.

5. Get to know everyone

Most importantly, make an effort to get to know all your co-workers. If you work for a big company or have a huge office, focus on the people you actually work with. Set up a meeting outside the office, like a coffee or a lunch, and do a little research on what that person’s role is and what he or she does on a daily basis. Use these meetings as a chance to ask questions, and more importantly, build relationships.

Not only will your days be more enjoyable if you have good relationships with the people you work with, but your co-workers will be more open to helping you if you’re on good terms with them. You will be spending a lot of time with these people, so it’s best to build those strong bonds from the beginning.

6. Send a status update at the end of the week

Sending an end of week update to your manager is a great way to wrap up your first week. Be sure to include everything you’ve accomplished during the week, any questions you may have and a plan of what you intend to do the following week. This will show your manager that you’re organized and proactive about succeeding in your new role.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player, and find answers to common interview questions such as, What Gets You Up in The Morning?