After countless interviews, letters of recommendations and hours of working on and editing your resume, you finally got the coveted job you worked so hard for. As you celebrate with friends and family, the new job starts to really settle in. You realize that you just got a new job, and with a new job comes new responsibilities, new coworkers, a new boss, and a whole new environment to get adjusted to. While some may adjust easily and smoothly to a brand-new position, not at all are so lucky. Getting a new job is never easy, especially if you recently just quit a job. Nevertheless, we have compiled some helpful tips and things to do to help you transition smoothly to your new position!  

1. Get the facts of your new job straight first. It’s absolutely fine to ask questions ahead of time before you start the job. Depending on the business you’re working for, you can ask the Human Resources department or your supervisor/manager any questions you may have. If you’re not sure who to ask, check with the person who offered you the job. Find out about what your work schedule will look like, the hours per week you are expected to work, salary, benefits and any information you need to successfully come on board and help the company thrive. 
   
2. Make sure you figure out what to wear.  What you wore to the job interview may not be what you will wear on the job, depending on what company or organization you are working for. If you haven’t been given a dress code, ask what the appropriate attire is for your workplace. Have a few work outfits ready so you don’t have to scramble finding clothes to wear the first day of your new position. 
3. Check on the company’s BYOD or BYOC policy.  Some employers have Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) policies that include tablets and smartphones, as well as computers. You may be expected to use your own laptop, or you may have the option to use it. Some companies may also provide you with a separate company-use-only smartphone, and a vehicle in some rare cases, usually only if your job requires you to drive as part of your job. 
4. Be sure to check on the company’s social media policy.  Check out your new employer’s social media channels and what accounts they currently run, including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Some companies are ok with employee’s posting on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or other social media sites during working hours. Others have policies that prohibit it and possibly take disciplinary action if you violate the policy. Find out what is acceptable before you start posting. Take the time to go through all of your social pages. Some of your new co-workers or even your new boss might want to be your social media friend. Make sure what they can view is fit for public consumption. Check your privacy settings and be careful about who gets to see what. It is better to be safe than sorry in situations like these. Once it is out in the public eye, it is typically there forever! 
5. Make sure that you arrive a little early to your first day on the job, as well as every day during your employment. One easy way to help lessen the stress of starting a new position is to do a trial run before you start the job. Figure out your transportation and where you’re going. Make the trip a few days ahead of time to see how long it takes, giving yourself a good cushion for traffic or other delays. Give yourself a little extra time so you can arrive at work a few minutes early on your first day. 
   
6. Try to get as much feedback as you can during the first few days of your new job from your direct supervisor and/or the person training you. Feedback is especially useful when you’re starting a job and aren’t quite sure what to expect or what to fully take on in terms of responsibilities. Ask your supervisor how you’re doing, ask if he or she can give you any advice, and ask for suggestions on what you can improve upon. This will show that you are on top of your new job and that you want to improve in any way you can. You are conveying that you’re a hands-on learner who wants to become the best at what you do.  Try to limit your request for feedback to a couple of times during your first couple of weeks so as not to appear too needy. 
7. Relationship building can be hard, especially if you’re the “”new kid on the block.” It can be harder when you don’t have an outgoing personality and meeting new people is a challenge. Do your best to be friendly and warm, and again, asking for advice is always a good way to break the ice. It is okay if you do not gel right away with your new coworkers. You never know if they are new at the company as well, or if they are just as shy as you are! 
8. Try your best to be flexible. Make sure to give yourself extra time to work at the job when you’re first starting it. Leave room in your schedule to come in early or stay late, if necessary. Spending extra time upfront can help your learning curve and increase your comfort level with your new responsibilities.   

Starting a new job can be a fun and exciting time! Meeting new people, learning new roles and facing new challenges are only some of the many things you have to look forward to.  Make your new job as successful as possible by following these eight tips. Stay tuned for next week when we will share the biggest new job “No No’s.”