First day - what do you like to see in a new starter?

Elinore

I have been in my job for quite some time and as a team of one, I have not had actual co-workers to work alongside in donkey's years. I also imagine that the world of work has moved on in social cues and such like. I'm having a touch of nerves regarding meeting a whole new team of people and working them all out.

What do you like to see on a new hires first day that gives a great impression right off the bat - I'll, of course, be presentable, bringing my full attention and enthusiasm (just enough, not a cheer squad level pompoms included )

but what else would be advantageous in your opinion?

Elinore

I should mention what kicked this all off. We have a new starter and from him, I have learned a few things not to do.

In his very first conversation mentioned that he was genuinely upset that as a new starter he felt he should have been provided a perm car parking space to show that he's valued. (only the CEO and a few others have spaces)

Will not leave his phone alone, for a second, to the point the trainer has had to tell him on his first day that he will ditch him if he touches it one more time - in his defence, he does seem to actually take in the training but he puts out this vibe that he just couldn't care less and fully paying attention to you is not worth his time. (no medical, family issues or reason was given he just looks at his FB or insta)

Totaly badmouths his old workplace - not in a general way but in a 'my boss was a super-!!!!! hoe who only got the position by sleeping around - i was to good for the place but they were to blind to see it' kinda way.

So, all rather negative - so i was looking for positives

[Deleted User]

The speed at which you pick things up - years ago in a 5 year job myself I remember being told off because Donna was only 3 months into new job at my place and it wasn't fair as she was a new starter so couldn't possibly know xyz - and fair enough but something I notice today is very different as you are deemed weird and odd if you are not doing the job solo within days.

Don't worry if your team mates don't speak - they are far busy listening to the radio or composing emails to whinge about you behind your back when you chose to go on lunch when it's your only break from the screen.

Don't ask about holiday until after 3 months.

Don't expect Supervisor to mean much.

If you are also expected to learn to cover for colleagues which means you do theirs and your own in a day - you have to agree.

flanker6

Elinore wrote: »

What do you like to see on a new hires first day that gives a great impression right off the bat - I'll, of course, be presentable, bringing my full attention and enthusiasm (just enough, not a cheer squad level pompoms included )

but what else would be advantageous in your opinion?

Being enthusiastic, willing to listen to advice and instruction, being personable, punctual, positive and diligent.

TELLIT01

I think you have pretty much covered all the do's and don'ts in the first two posts. Be yourself, as any artifice will soon be spotted.

getmore4less

If they have been shown around the place then I expect them to have picked up the dress code and be at the smarter end of that for a while.

Be on time unless they have let us know in advance there may be a problem.

Don't clock watch(breaks/going home), let others take the lead.

Do not go near any social media or internet unless needed for the job.
(The smarter ones will turn their phone silent/off)

Ideally there is some sort of induction/training that helps people settle in.
First timers may not know to ask about some things but second timers should be finding out about key processes by asking in the first week if not told.
Time management system if any in place.
Holiday system(how much, how to book, any blackouts and holiday year)
Pay periods and pay day(and clarification of pay rate if not already known)
Overtime if paid the cutoff dates to get into the next pay day.
Expenses process
IT policies
phone use policies
...

A reasonable checklist is the particulars of employment as all employers should produce them anyway. As an employee if not given them make sure you get them by asking about each item.

ohreally

Don't bung up the plumbing on your first day.

jonnygee2

Just be organised. Bring a notebook and write things down - review this often and try not to forget stuff you've been told already. That way you will be seen as a 'quick learner'

I also always email everyone in my new department to introduce myself, and then set up twenty min 1-1s with everyone in my team in the first two weeks or so, just to find out who they are and what they do.

TELLIT01

jonnygee2 wrote: »

Just be organised. Bring a notebook and write things down - review this often and try not to forget stuff you've been told already. That way you will be seen as a 'quick learner'

I also always email everyone in my new department to introduce myself, and then set up twenty min 1-1s with everyone in my team in the first two weeks or so, just to find out who they are and what they do.

Unless you are managing the team I would expect the team leader to arrange meetings such as these. Doing it yourself if you are simply a member of the team might come over as a tad pushy.

Slinky

Don't fall asleep in a sales meeting (we had somebody do this) on their first day. It was a source of micky-taking for years.

74jax

We have a full induction program so all questions are answered, when you are paid, if there's any holidays you want to book now, who you report to, the company history, blah blah.

You are then introduced to the team, those sitting near you and away you go. On your first day and first week, if take the lead from others over lunchtime and getting coffee etc.

Do not talk ill of previous colleagues, if people are busy don't stand around talking about the TV last night. Keep your phone out of sight.

Start the day with 'today ill focus on xyz, unless you have something more urgent for me' until you understand your workload.

Try and do as much as you can before asking questions. There's nothing worse than being interrupted constantly, but set aside any queries and then ask for 15mins to run through issues.