You've made it: the new employment contract has been signed and nothing stands in the way of your new job. The feeling of joy and excitement is often mixed with a little nervousness. Will you get on well with your new colleagues? Will you get on well with the new tasks? Will you make a good impression on the team or how do you avoid making a negative impression? The infamous first impression still carries a lot of weight and plays a role again, especially when starting a new career. It's crucial to make a positive impression in these early stages to secure your job. Here are 10 helpful tips for a successful start in your new job during the first few days and weeks:

1. Take a deep breath!

Once the contract negotiations have been finalised, the probationary period comes into force. However, it is important to know that you are not the only one being tested. During the probationary period, both the employer and you evaluate how suitable the new position is for you. During this phase, both parties have the opportunity to adjust or terminate the employment relationship. This should be seen as a positive opportunity to carefully consider your new working environment while maintaining a favourable attitude. For example, you can observe the working atmosphere among colleagues and check whether the promises made in the job interview are being kept. Your open and scrutinising attitude can help you get through the probationary period without undue stress. Take time to breathe and look at the situation from a different perspective. 

2. Self-marketing

Now that you have convinced the management and HR team of your skills, it's time to introduce yourself to your new colleagues. You need to strike a fine balance between self-promotion and a charming demeanour. On the one hand, it is important to show what you bring to your new team, what skills and soft skills characterise you and how you can contribute to the further development of the company. On the other hand, you should stay true to yourself and not try to put more pressure on yourself than necessary. Remember that a successful career is not built in a quiet room alone but in the context of meetings, projects and small talk. These opportunities offer you a platform to present modest successes in a relaxed manner. 

It is just as important to present yourself as a fair and friendly colleague. The mood can easily change if you are too pushy. Pay attention to your communication style, endeavour to remain on an equal footing and always show your charming side.

3. Communication

The colleagues at your new job will certainly be ready for some inviting conversations. But we would like to recommend to you to first observe and especially to listen very attentively. When you start a new job, it is crucial to understand which kind of communication style is used in your new professional environment. Do they have flat hierarchies? A big No-Go when it comes to communication is often to share too private details of your life. A good door opener for a successful integration into your new team might be to spend your lunch break together. Most of the time the small things are what is important to influence the mood.

4. Networking

It is crucial to form a network from the beginning of your new occupation with colleagues and supervisors of the company. Do not only network with your direct colleagues, it is worthwhile to look a little further beyond. Effective networking plays an essential role in your vocational progress after your entrance into a new job environment. Networks are most effective when they are arranged broadly. The nice colleague from marketing could for instance be an important bridge for you in the future.

 Besides networking is your opportunity to get more information on the structure of your new company and to advance your knowledge about your dream employer. Do not hesitate to connect with or talk to senior executives. Most of the time also executives are interested in getting to know new colleagues and talk about casual topics, such as Family and sports. In any case, it is important that you prepare for these kinds of interactions and that you are not too intrusive. Formulate clear questions to start interesting conversations. Even if these interactions do not have the outcome you wanted, there is always the possibility to connect via online networks and social media to stay in touch with interesting colleagues. You never know how you can benefit from these contacts in the future.

You can find more information about networking in this article.

5. A Neat Appearance 

During the application process, you've likely gained insight into the company culture and dress code of your new employer. In short, it's advisable to adhere to these guidelines. Appearing neither overdressed nor underdressed is recommended, as drawing unnecessary attention to your appearance might distract from showcasing your performance as you enter the professional realm.

For instance, if suits are required, as is common in many law firms or consulting companies, it is crucial to focus on high-quality clothing with a perfect fit, ensuring above all that you feel comfortable in them.

6. Be Ready for New Experiences

Even if you have a clear idea of the desired tasks, the suitable department, and your long-term goals in the new job during the application process, it is wise to explore the new work environment with curiosity and without preconceptions. There is nothing wrong with pursuing your priorities, but your mindset should remain open to new ideas, whether they come from colleagues, superiors, or pertain to new subject areas.

An unfamiliar environment can spark new interests, and who knows what talents may emerge due to the challenges of your new position. Moreover, many companies offer training opportunities that go beyond professional specialisation.

7. Execute Your Tasks with Care and Precision

While it may sound cliché at first, in reality, it means performing a quantitative analysis without errors or creating meticulously copied documents for your supervisor. To meet high expectations set, for example, by an excellent letter of recommendation, it is essential to approach even small and seemingly unspectacular tasks with great accuracy. Engaging in and successfully completing these small yet responsible tasks will soon provide opportunities to work on exciting top projects.

8. Stay Focused!

Just as you will concentrate on your responsibilities and temporarily handle minor tasks, it is advisable to remain true to your work rhythm. Whether it's about breaks or the apparent competition for who stays in the office the longest, you shouldn't conform to unspoken norms. Instead, demonstrating efficiency and performance during your working hours is sensible.

Leaving the office at 5 p.m. might not be well-received, but staying late is also not advantageous. Confidence is gained through measurable achievements, not solely through the duration of your presence. The same applies to breaks; they can be crucial creative moments for you and the company, where you develop new strategies in a relaxed atmosphere.

9. Teamwork

Despite the common clichés in the consulting sector, young professionals in banks, large law firms, and consulting firms must be able to prove themselves and be likable in a team to succeed. Successful integration into the team is essential. An open and creative interaction with colleagues forms the basis for effective collaboration and good relationships during stressful times and long working hours.

The isolated lone wolf who only focuses on themselves is no longer in demand in today's professional world. Instead, being friendly and cooperative with colleagues, superiors, and subordinates is advantageous. Perhaps there are opportunities in the office to support colleagues and help the team? These interpersonal investments will surely pay off when you need good advice or support yourself.

10. Your First Presentation

Your first presentation in your new job provides the ideal opportunity to convince colleagues and superiors of your abilities. Presentations are indispensable in the business world, especially in consulting and banking. It's normal to feel a certain amount of stage fright, but this excitement should be viewed as a source of motivation, as adrenaline can ultimately drive you to peak performance.

Now is the time to take a deep breath and consider our recommendations for an outstanding performance during the meeting. This involves the correct use of technology, clever diagrams, and small but effective tricks.