First day of work in the new job:
These tips will help you to make an immediate good impression

Today is the day: Your alarm clock rings, you have breakfast, you dress smartly and you go to work. It's your first day at the new job. You are finally starting the job for which you have put a lot of time and effort into the application letter, the CV and the interview. Congratulations on getting your new job. Lay the best foundations on your first day of work so that your start is successful and you are still happy with your decision after several weeks and months of familiarisation.

Of course, everyone is a little nervous on their first day at work. However, please don't think too much about whether you are actually well suited for the position, whether you fulfil the requirements or whether you'll fit in well with the team. Because one thing is for certain: Your new employer made a conscious decision to select you, and is convinced that you are the perfect person for this position. Provided that you were honest in the interview, your new company will know what qualifications you have and adapt your initial tasks to your know-how. You can learn the rest – honesty is always a good guide when you change jobs.

7 tips for your first day at work

The first day at work in a new job is always exciting – regardless of how many new jobs you have already had during your working life. After all, you get to know your new colleagues, you may already have been assigned your initial tasks, and you start to familiarise yourself with new processes.

In order to make a good impression from day one, you should take these seven tips on board:

Be punctual: It's better to be a few minutes early than one minute late.

Dress appropriately: A little too smart can't do any harm to begin with.

Get to know your team: Introduce yourself and remember the names of your new colleagues.

Set up your workplace: Familiarise yourself with the existing technology.

Be committed: Ask questions and get to know the new work processes and your colleagues.

Accept feedback with thanks: Show that you take suggestions and criticism seriously and implement them immediately.

Don't be too particular about your working hours: Don't leave too early, and don't forget to say goodbye to your colleagues.

Preparation for the first working day: Build up your security and confidence

What information do you still need in order to start your first working day in your new job? Do you already know what time you will start, or who your contact person is? It's best to clarify these things beforehand with your supervisor or the responsible person from the HR department.

However, if you have a lot of question marks floating around in your head about your new work tasks, you should take it easy. Because you got the job because you made an impression during the application process. If you feel nervous at the beginning, think again about why you applied, what appeals to you about the new job and which arguments ultimately played a role in signing the employment contract. Perhaps it will also help you to get more information about the industry, the company and your future team. Because these thoughts will give you more strength, improve your confidence and reduce your inner stress considerably.

The first few days in the new job – how to get started in the team

A new job can be great, but what happens if you can't really connect with your team? Your relationship with your new colleagues is under your control. We will show you how to change from the role of newcomer to a fully-fledged member of the team as quickly as possible.

1. Find a mentor

Your new employer may assign you a particular contact person who will help you to make a good impression – both professionally and personally. Close communication with your mentor will help you to quickly familiarize yourself with work processes, the company culture and the team. If you are not assigned a particular contact person within the company, be proactive and look for a new colleague who will support you during your first few days at work.

2. Get involved

A good team also works outside of the working world. You should show that you too do not strictly separate work and private life, and that you value good cooperation. Perhaps company events such as game nights or a visit to a restaurant are coming up soon. Be open here, don't withdraw and integrate yourself into the team. This is also possible during short breaks, such as at the coffee machine.

As a team leader, it is best to clarify in advance with the HR department or your supervisor whether there is a budget for team events, and arrange a date for getting to know each other yourself. This is how you can show that you are interested in each individual, and regard yourself as part of the team.

A good team also works outside of the working world. You should show that you too do not strictly separate work and private life, and that you value good cooperation. Perhaps company events such as game nights or a visit to a restaurant are coming up soon. Be open here, don't withdraw and integrate yourself into the team. This is also possible during short breaks, such as at the coffee machine.

As a team leader, it is best to clarify in advance with the HR department or your supervisor whether there is a budget for team events, and arrange a date for getting to know each other yourself. This is how you can show that you are interested in each individual, and regard yourself as part of the team.

3. Be reliable

You will gradually accumulate more and more jobs to do at your new workplace. Always try to be realistic about how much you can manage. You'll certainly want to prove you're the right person for the job, but you don't have to do that by taking on a multitude of tasks. At the end of the day, it's the quality of your work that matters. You should therefore take enough time, let your colleagues know when you have completed a task, and inform your colleagues about it in a transparent manner.

4. Build your own network

You will find out which colleagues are on the same wavelength as you and whether your areas of activity overlap within a very short time. You should therefore use your lunch or coffee breaks to get to know them better and look for things that you have in common.

5. Adapt new processes

Every company has its own procedures, processes and workflows. Perhaps you are used to doing things differently and immediately have a few improvement suggestions. However, hold back to begin with and do not immediately voice your opinions about the company's structures and work processes. Try to adapt, and it would be better to wait for a few weeks before bringing in your solution recommendations. Unless you were hired as a manager with the remit of changing the existing processes.

6. Be tactful

Are you an expert in your field, and are convinced that others can only benefit from your know-how? Even if your motives are completely desirable, as a newcomer to the team you should show empathy. Although that doesn't mean you should be passive. But always remain respectful, proceed cautiously and be empathetic towards your new colleagues or employees.

7. Show your skills

A team thrives on the different skills of its members. Strengths and weaknesses balance each other out and complement each other in an ideal case. Demonstrate to your team how valuable you are. Contribute your strengths, and work on your weaknesses with the assistance of your colleagues.

8. Show some initiative

You're new, and you first need to familiarise. However: Do you actually need assistance from your colleagues, or could you get some information yourself? It is better to trawl through work instructions first, research the Intranet and try to answer your own questions. A look at the company organization chart can also help to improve your knowledge. Don't forget to note things down in the beginning. This will help you to avoid having to face a new challenge twice.

The first 100 days in the new job: Does everything feel right?

Is everything becoming easier and better in the new job? The prospects of a great team, superiors on equal terms and possibly a higher salary were good. Whether the dream job actually does deliver everything that it promised can often be established in the first few months of the probationary period. Then it's a case of being honest – with yourself, but also with the company.

"How do you feel now that you know your colleagues better and have completed a few tasks?". In many companies, onboarding involves carrying out regular appraisals and establishing the current status quo. It's no longer just about feedback that is addressed to you. You too can often use the opportunity to tell your supervisor what is currently on your mind in the new job.

If everything is OK, then nothing stands in the way of having a happy future together. On the other hand, if there are signs which show that you or your employer are dissatisfied, you should react in a confident way. Do you not have a direct line to your superiors, or do you not feel properly integrated into the team? Do you feel like you are not doing justice to the job requirements, or perhaps even miss your old job? Or has your leadership role not yet been accepted in the team?

To begin with, try to assess these situations realistically. Some things just take a little time. But if something is bothering you, deal with it openly as early as possible. Ask your boss for a chat, note down what's on your mind and try to find a good solution together.

It is important for you not to become discouraged. Learn to pay attention to overtones, assess your needs realistically and gather experience. This is the best way to learn what to pay attention to the next time you change jobs in order to be happy in the job.

Here too, be honest and realistic: Sometimes it just doesn't work, and separation is the best thing for everyone concerned. But it is also quite possible that a conversation that clears the air will dispel your concerns and show you that you have misjudged the situation.