Hints for success

Starting a new job is an exciting challenge!  
Read on for tips to make your first days (and weeks) on the job go smoothly.

Arrive 15 minutes early the first day, and 5-10 minutes early on the following days. 

• Being prepared and ready to go at the start of your day, instead of rushing in the door in the nick of time, will start every work day off right!

Take notes!  Bring a small notebook, and take notes as you go. Things to jot down: 

• Co-worker's and manager's names and job responsibilities.
• Your duties and the processes you oversee.
• How the telephone and computer systems work.
• Key customers, both within and outside the company.
• Who the "Go-to" people are for questions and advice.

As you finish tasks and projects, ask for new ones if you are not sure what to do next.

Keep your manager informed about your progress and timelines. 

• After the first week on the job, it can be helpful to set a 30- and 60-day plan for yourself, with visible tasks and goals.

Hold personal phone calls for lunch and work breaks only.

• If you must have a cell phone at work, put it on "meeting" mode and answer it only for emergency calls.

Do not use company computers for personal use, including email and "web surfing." 

• Most companies have specific policies against this, and personal use of computers can result in termination.

Keep unplanned days off to an absolute minimum. 

Have fun! 
Enjoy learning new things and meeting new people, and planning what you can contribute to your new company.