Tips for a Stress Free First Day on the Job

Over the years I’ve hired dozens of people. Some have been more successful than others at mastering day 1 at the new job. I have compiled some of the best tips from these individuals, and I am happy to share them with you here:

  1. Meet the team ahead of time:  Reach out before day 1 and break bread or have coffee with your new boss and/or your teammates.  There is nothing like getting a head start on bonding with the team you’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with in the trenches.
  2. Chart it out: Figure out the organizational structure.  Know who’s who; who reports to whom.  If you can … find images of your teammates and senior management on line so you can greet them by name day 1.
  3. Begin a project:  Dig in ahead of time.  Jump start the work on your first assignments and trade a few emails with teammates you’ll be working with.  Nothing like building rapport sooner rather than later.
  4. Look to the future: Look ahead and create a plan for what exceptional performance would be for the first 90 days and the first year. Confirm this with your manager when you start — “Wow” him/her.
  5. Contingency plan-plan-plan:   Prepare for the unexpected.  Put back-ups to the back-ups in place, e.g., have access to extended child/pet care and transportation.  Expect the unexpected — particularly if you’ve moved into a “long hour” or “fire fighting” culture.
  6. Know thy boss: Learn as much about your boss ahead of time.  Get the inside scoop from people who used to work for him/her. Here are some of the questions you can ask: What kind of management style works for your boss? What does you boss most value in the people who report to him/her? How does your boss fit within the larger power structure at the company?

As you can see prior planning and preparation is key to a successful first day at a new job. Good luck!

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What Clients Say About Patrice & Associates

  • Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!

    To begin, Clint Carpenter was the ONLY recruiter I didn't get a generic template e-mail from. He actually took the time to look at my complete resume. In the first few days we spoke, he really took the time in our conversations to get to know what was important to me in a future job as well as what I knew I did not want. He checked in with me every day, whether it was to help coach me for an interview or just follow up if I'd gotten feedback. When I finally did get the offer I wanted, there was a snag and the paperwork with the company was delayed by 2 weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, but Clint called or texted me EVERY single day to encourage me and make sure I was ok as well as doing whatever he could from his end to help facilitate the paperwork. I never felt like I was alone in the job search process. Clint is professional, positive and you can tell he genuinely loves helping people. I would recommend him to anyone!!!!    

    Lethr' Rothert

    Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!
  • Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals

    Dave Evens has been working with me these past couple months as I transition from a restaurant owner toward a corporate environment.  Along with this, I'm relocating from TN to NY.  I feel that he was able to capture my unique experience in the updated resume he created for me.  Dave was great with communicating options and feedback from all sources. It was a true pleasure to work with him.  While we were unable to find a good fit for me, I am blown away by Dave's approach and enthusiasm.  I found a great job, on my own, but I do not feel that reflects poorly on Dave nor Patrice & Associates. When, again, I enter my next job search, I will be sure to reach out to Dave first!

    Sincerely,

    Neil Archibald

    Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals
  • Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring

    I honestly didn't know what to expect from Patrice & Associates. Upon my first time speaking with Mr. Mike Buterbaugh, I was instantly put at ease with his genuine approach to helping me find the best fit for me overall in my next career decision. Not only did he coach me on how to drastically improve my resume, he also had me an interview within a couple of days. I have never had an experience quite like this during a job search, but I would definitely give 5 stars to this company and their recruiting team. I have gained a new career that not only met my salary expectations, but balances with my personal life as well. Thanks again for your help, and although I don't plan to be on a search again, if the need arises, they will definitely be my first point of contact.

    Eula

    Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring
  • Patrice & Associates Video Client TestimonialsClint Carpenter was wonderful!

    I worked with Clint Carpenter on getting a job. Clint did an amazing job helping me with my resume, walking me through the process and giving me help and interview tips.  He was in communication with me everyday about what was going on and keeping me in the know. I would call on Clint again if I ever needed him!  

    Gary Summers

    Clint Carpenter was wonderful!
  • Karen Horton was there, every step of the way!

    Dealing with Patrice & Associates has been a great experience all throughout. Karen Horton was great to work with and played a pivotal role in providing me with multiple opportunities to pursue. She was there every step of the way to make sure everything was going in the right direction. She facilitated communications between me and HR departments as well. I landed a great opportunity in very little time and would definitely recommend Patrice & Associates for anyone looking to pursue new opportunities and build their career!  

    Best, S.

    Karen Horton was there, every step of the way!