Starting a new job

• Research the organisation: start by reviewing key information about the company, such as its products, services, values, mission, and structure. This will give you a head start as you absorb new details in your first days.
• Check your start time: confirm your start time and location for your first day. Plan your commute, especially if you'll be traveling during peak hours. Consider a trial run to gauge travel time.
• Check the dress code: if you're unsure of the workplace attire, opt for more formal clothing during your first week. Regardless of the dress code, ensure your grooming is neat and professional. Plan your outfit in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
• Review your employment contract: go over your contract to understand the terms of your offer, including your rights and responsibilities in the workplace.  

• Expect work to be very different to university and prepare for a readjustment.
• Don’t expect to be given high-level tasks immediately; responsibility grows with time and demonstrated ability.
• Be clear on what is expected of you in your role and focus on achieving these outcomes.
• Take the initiative to find answers to your questions. Most organisations have an intranet that provides answers to many of the questions employees raise.

When starting your career, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Your job offer or contract will usually outline the conditions of your employment such as working hours, pay rate and leave entitlements.If you do not receive this information prior to starting work or if the details are not clear, you may want to ask some questions such as:

• How much will I be paid?
• What are my working conditions?
• What are my leave entitlements?
• What do I need to know about equity and safety in the workplace?
• What does my contract mean?
• Is there a probation period and what are the conditions for progression?

Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for more information.

Your first days in any new role set the tone for your long-term relationship with your employer. It’s important to consider the impression you want to make. Keep these tips in mind to start strong on day one:

• Introduce yourself: Take the initiative to get to know your new colleagues. If you haven’t been introduced during your induction, make an effort to introduce yourself and build rapport with your team.
• Ask questions and take notes: Bring a notebook to jot down important points and key contacts. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – you won’t be expected to know everything right away. Ask your manager what they expect from you in the first few weeks.
• Familiarise yourself with company policies and codes of conduct: This includes health and safety procedures, as well as policies on internet, email, mobile phone use, confidentiality, and privacy.
• Pack supplies: Some workplaces may not be fully stocked for new team members, so it’s a good idea to bring your own supplies. Pack a pen, notepad, mug, water bottle, snacks, and lunch or money for food in case there are no ATMs nearby.
• Reflect on your university skills: Your time at university has likely taught you valuable skills that will serve you well in the workplace. Review these skills before you start and think about how they can help you in your first days, as well as how you'd like to develop them in your new role.

In any new job, the first few months are very important. In this time you need to:

• Establish yourself as reliable, demonstrating solid performance and commitment by completing any work you are given on time to the best of your ability.
• Be proactive and advise your manager if you have finished your work earlier than expected and ask if there is anything else you can do.
• Adopt a professional mode of communication. Lazy spelling and grammar usually found in online messaging is unacceptable in a professional environment. Proof-read your emails before sending them.
• Build relationships by getting to know your colleagues on a personal level which can help you to settle in to your role. Be polite and enthusiastic with everyone you meet.
• Develop an understanding of the company culture. Take your cues from colleagues and managers.
• Ask for assistance if you are unfamiliar with a particular task or if you are not sure what you should be doing.
• Many organisations include a probationary period for new employees (often three or six months), which makes this period crucial in terms of your performance, teamwork and contributions.