Congratulations! Your hard work and perseverance paid off. You got the job you wanted. Now what?
First, it’s time to celebrate. Pat yourself on the back and share the news with your closest friends and confidants.
Take a few days for yourself, a small vacation. You deserve it. Use the time to catch up on what you love to do, the things you haven’t been able to indulge in while job searching.
Tie Up Loose Ends
Now’s the time to write a courteous thank you note to the hiring person or your new boss, saying how pleased you are with the offer, and how much you look forward to your new duties. This is especially appropriate if you don’t start for a couple of weeks.
Now’s also a good time to touch base with HR and any contacts at your new company. Ask if there’s anything you need to do before your actual start date, such as taking tests or gathering personal paperwork.
Stop Window Shopping
Once you’ve signed on with your new company, notify HR people and any recruiters you’ve been working with that you are no longer an active candidate.
Express your gratitude for their help and cancel any pending job interviews.
Make a Graceful Exit
Don’t burn bridges. If you need to give notice for a job you presently have, resist expressing any ill will. There is never a time for: “Take this job and you know what.”
Postpone that LinkedIn update for a month or so. Avoid making announcements on social media until you know your new job is all you anticipated.
Do Your Research
Do some homework. It will help you hit the ground running right from the starting gate.
Familiarize yourself with your new company’s product line, services, major players, common terminology, and company history. Make sure you’re current with industry news, too.
If you can connect staff names with photos on the company website or LinkedIn, all the better. The sooner you learn who’s who and what their official tasks are, the smoother your transition will be.
Look Sharp
First day jitters can be soothed by feeling confident. Give your confidence a boost by treating yourself to a new shirt and tie, or a blouse or dress if you’re a woman.
A smart padfolio makes you look organized and successful. Make notes with pen and paper; note-taking on a phone can be misconstrued as texting or tuning out.
Prep the Day Before
Know the best way to commute to the job, which ways to avoid, how long it will take, and if you drive yourself, where to park. Determine if you will need a pass or key to enter the building.
Pack your briefcase with first-day essentials; here’s my must-have list.
Make a Solid First Impression
You will be meeting and lunching with new people who will be getting to know you and forming opinions. Prep yourself for small talk, being careful to avoid taboo topics.
As you’re getting to know people, it’s best to stay low on the radar for the first month. Don’t be the know-it-all new guy always telling co-workers “how we did it at XYZ company.”
Keep Your Perspective
Both you and your new employer are trying out this fit. Over the next 90 days or so, evaluate how well you mesh with the corporate culture, the pace at which you are expected to work, and your new team. If it’s not a good fit, now’s the time to say something.
During this trial period, determine whether this job is a good stepping stone on your career path. How will this position further your professional and personal goals?
Go Get ‘Em
It’s a tough market out there, and they picked you, so report for duty with your head held high, and enjoy your new job!
If you’re reading this and are still in job-seeking mode, let’s talk. Whether you need a crisp new resume, a LinkedIn makeover, or a cover letter that actually gets read, I can help you put together a package that opens doors.
