How to Prepare for a New Job: 7 Helpful Tips for Newbies at Work

“You are hired.”

For many new employees, nothing could be sweeter than hearing those three words. Getting a new job often feels like an affirmation of your skills — a pat on the back that says, “You’re good, and we want you on our team.” But now that you have your new job, preparation for the role is the next essential step to success.

After some days of landing your job, the excitement may die down, with panic and nervousness soon taking its place. As you mentally prepare for your new job, you may start feeling overwhelmed with the starting date nearing. And if you are part of the workforce that decided to change careers during the Great Resignation, you may feel all the more pressure.

For those about to embark on their first job, we have news for you: Feeling stressed and anxious while preparing for a new position is entirely normal. Newbies will undoubtedly feel tension at work, whether on their first job or tenth. So take a breath and look forward to your new adventure! Lucky for you, this article will help you calm the jitters. Read on and learn how to succeed in your first few days (and months) at your new job.

New job preparation tips for newbies at work

1. Dress to impress

Whether your new office has a strict or casual dress code, it pays to dress accordingly. Once you have received an offer, ask the hiring manager about the company’s dress code. Knowing what to wear will probably be your first step in preparing for your new job.

Nowadays, many companies have relaxed requirements for clothing. Nevertheless, some still prefer a more formal style. Do stay on the safe side, however, if your company’s policies require less formal wear — adopt a “dressy casual” aesthetic for your first few days or weeks. You can just adapt to the office’s norm after acclimating to your new environment.

Work-from-home employees, especially those in client-facing roles, are also expected to dress the part. Keep your appearance professional during work hours — you never know when a surprise meeting might come up. Hide those baggy sweats and souvenir t-shirts. Always keep your appearance neat and tidy. Consider investing in a few button-down shirts or blouses that you can easily throw on during online gatherings and meetings.

(Read More: Decoding Your Office’s Dress Code: What To Wear And When )

2. Be confident

Here is another trick to calm you down: Remember that the hiring managers already like you — that is why you got hired! They must have seen something impressive in you during the application process. You got the offer because they deem you a valuable addition to the team.

As you mentally prepare for your new job, know that you have what it takes. Believe in your capabilities and the skills that you can bring to the table. At the same time, maintain a spirit of gratefulness. There will be several people who will help you through the ropes in your first few days on the job. Thank your new staff for assisting you in your transition, your supervisor for guiding you in your new role, and your colleagues for supporting you in this endeavour.

3. Show enthusiasm for the new job

Start on the right track by pairing your confidence with enthusiasm and drive for your new role. Come to work on time, establish a good attendance record, and participate if your company offers orientation exercises for the new hires.

Show your employer that they made the right choice to pick you. Listen attentively and ask questions whenever necessary. When you start receiving assignments, be open and confidently take them on. You may not get the big projects right away, but do take on every task with a fiery mindset.

(Read More: How to Choose the Right Company to Work For: Start with These 6 Questions )

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

As a new hire trying to carve out a niche for yourself, it is natural to always want to appear capable to your new boss and coworkers. But be patient with yourself. Remember that there is always a learning curve to any new job. The need to prove yourself does not mean you have to know everything right away.

Ask for clarifications if you are unsure of what you have to do. Do not let your pride get in the way of you asking questions — especially if you work remotely. When you are a new hire, it is natural to want to appear capable and confident to prove yourself. But never make the mistake of avoiding asking for help.

5. Dazzle them with your performance

You may have already been hired and considered a part of the company. But in essence, you are still in the middle of your interview. Companies usually expect newbies, during their first few days, to behave like they are still under their application process. Many new employees have a probationary period of 30 to 90 days.

Unlike in job interviews, employers now expect you to prove yourself by your work performance. You must show concrete examples of your ideas and responses now that you are working with them. Since you are still in a transition period, your superiors will constantly monitor your performance and attitude. This part of the hiring process will help them decide whether they would take you as a permanent member of the company.

Bosses will often appreciate fresh insights from new hires, so voice out your ideas or work on projects on your initiative. Use these opportunities to impress them even more.

6. Reach out to your colleagues

Preparing for a new job is not just about preparing for the work you are expected to do. You also need to assimilate yourself into the company’s social environment by getting to know your coworkers.

A simple “hi” or “hello” to your office mates in the morning and a “goodbye” at the end of the workday will go a long way when you find yourself in a new job. Don't be shy. Your coworkers know and understand that you may need some assistance with your new office’s culture and processes as a newbie.

Realise that you are going into a place where roles and relationships are already established, and some may not be too welcoming to new people.  Know that this is all right and that it is not your fault if you get that type of treatment. Just be nice and friendly.  Be congenial. Extend help and pitch in even when not asked, or join when you get asked for lunch by teammates.

(Read More: 10 Ways to Build Meaningful Work Relationships )

7. Set boundaries

When starting a new job, you may tend to bend over backwards in your desire to fit in faster. But it is sage advice to set healthy work boundaries. Healthy work boundaries help clarify what you expect out of work.

Setting boundaries may feel uncomfortable at first, especially when you are the newbie in the office. But healthy work boundaries also help bosses and coworkers know what you deem acceptable and unacceptable regarding work, such as how late you are willing to work or how personal you want your relationships with your office friends to be.

Once you set your work boundaries, your officemates and bosses will have a clearer idea of how you work and the work schedule that is acceptable to you. These clear lines will set expectations properly. For example, your manager emails you over the weekend. Ideally, it should be fine to reply during a workday, first thing Monday morning. Creating this boundary shows that while you can handle all your tasks, you treat weekends as no-work days. Good coworkers should respect this.

8. Relax

When preparing for a new job, a little bit of nervous energy is good, even expected. Nervous energy means that you are looking forward to your new job post and care about the outcome. If you are having difficulty shaking your first-day jitters, you may want to do some relaxation techniques before starting your new job.

Include pampering activities in your new job preparation planning. Have some light-hearted fun to help calm your nerves. A spa excursion or a bike ride around the park, perhaps?

Preparing yourself for a new job position takes initiative and self-reliance — two work values that are sure to bring you far. Whether you are in a new company or have taken on a new job role in your current place of employment, it is always helpful to study up and prepare for your new position.

Ready for that new job? Preparation also means updating your JobStreet profile. Get ready for the #JobsThatMatter and get inspired to work with passion! For more expert career advice on finding the right workplace and career, visit the Career Resources Hub.