Congratulations to your new job! Now it is time to begin your employment. Starting a new job is always nerve-wracking and no-one likes to be the new person in the office – unsure about what to do and where to go. But remember that everyone has been in that situation. So keep calm, be polite, and stay positive. Here are some tips that will make the day pass by more smoothly.

An Expert's Opinion

Günther Illert Vice President & Director Human Resources Capgemini Consulting "Consultants must be able to act at all levels of the hierarchy, regardless of whether they talk to the management board or to employees working in the production line of a company. They also need a good deal of energy, enthusiasm, the ambition to shape things and they have to be able to work in a team. Lone warriors will not get far in our company."

Before you start work

• Plan what you're going to wear during the first week of work. Remember, you'll want to wear your most conservative outfits to start off, until you figure out what's appropriate and what isn't
• Plan the route you'll take to work as well as some alternate routes if there are any problems. In any case, be sure to leave plenty of time to reach work early

Your first day in the office

• Treat your first day like a job interview, and remember, if you haven't already met all of your new co-workers, the first impression does indeed last
• Remember the qualities that earned you the job in the first place. Smile, make eye contact, and greet new colleagues with a firm handshake. It’s OK to be a little nervous – you’ll have plenty of time to relax into your new role
• You’re unlikely to do any real work on your first day – that will be saved for after your settling in period
• Be courteous: Everyone you encounter, from the receptionist right up to the big boss, should receive the same impression of you – polite and respectful. Make it your business to introduce yourself, especially if your new manager doesn’t introduce you first
• Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t know where to go or what to do. People generally like to help others and it usually makes them feel good about themselves

Settling into your new job

• While there are probably plenty of skills you can transfer, every workplace has its own way of operating. Keep your eyes and ears open and try to fit in as smoothly as possible
• Join in any coffee breaks or anything that gives you a chance to get to know your new colleagues on a more personal level. They will help you to understand the unwritten rules of the workplace
• Never talk badly about your last job or company and be careful what you say about former employers. No-one likes an office gossip!
• Consider your responses and actions. It’s better to be tagged as cautious and thoughtful rather than rash and impulsive
• Be the one who volunteers for something, like changing the bottle on the water cooler or doing a coffee run. Show your new colleagues that you’re committed and mean business but also looking to integrate yourself as one of the team

Office etiquette

• Respect colleagues having lunch at their desk – treat others on their lunch break as you’d like to be treated on yours
• Be mindful of others needing the printer
• Be sensitive about smells – don’t eat strange smelling food at your desk!
• Limit strong perfume, excessive body odor, and very fragrant flowers –- all of which can offend others
• Be tidy in the kitchen – don't leave food on the counter or dirty dishes in the sink for extended periods of time
• Use headphones when listening to music
• Stay at home if you’re feeling unwell – it’s great to show that you’re dedicated to the job but making other people ill in the process won’t go down too well
• Ask before borrowing anything
• Be on time
• Avoid bad manners at work