How to Get Ahead During Your First Week at Work

You’ll knock ‘em dead kid during the first week at work when you just play it cool….no matter how uncomfortable you feel.

The first week is usually uncomfortable because you’ll feel kind of stupid anyhow, thinking that everyone else knows more than you do. So put a smile on your face. And fake it until you make it. Here are four tips for your first week at a new job :


Put a smile on your face. It’s true that when you smile the world smiles with you because a smile shows you’re happy to be there. Therefore, your new colleagues will like you more.
Come in early and stay late. That’s how you’ll be noticed because it shows you’re committed to the new job.
Fake it until you make it. Try not to ask too many questions. Inquire only about what you need to know and avoid asking questions that can wait or that you can investigate on your own. You don’t want to drive everyone crazy by bombarding them with questions
Wear quality suits and dresses or pantsuits. That’s how to dress for success. Clothes of good quality are good investments in your career. Some business dressing ideas :
It’s better to start off owning a couple of good outfits than a dozen chintzy ones.
Notice how to dress for your new job during your interviews.
And there’s no need to feel like you need to dress like everyone else. But wear clothing appropriate for the next level. If your office has casual dress, make sure you’re not the most casual.
Think “classy casual.” In order to be well dressed - business formal or casual - observe how your peers dress. Then single out whom you consider being the best dressed and select a wardrobe along those lines.
Your first week on a new job will probably be the toughest. It’s true; you need to hit the ground running during the first week or two. But you also need to observe and understand what’s going on by asking questions you can’t look up yourself. And to take time to learn how and why things are done in your new company.

Written by Randy Place