Entering the world of work: Tips for starting your new job

You've got through the application process and secured your dream role. Congratulations! Now, the real adventure begins.

We'll give you the advice you need for starting a job. These tips will come in handy whether you’re moving into a new role or going from student to young professional in your first job. Getting off to a good start will set you up for the future.

We’ll cover:

• Advice for your first day
• How to achieve a work-life balance
• How to make the most out of internships
• Tips for starting a remote job

Whether you’re entering the world of work in a grad role or moving into a new company, here are some key tips for your first day:

There’ll be a lot to take in on your first day. But when you get a quiet moment, take the time to get organised. Think about planning the next day, sorting out your email folders or colour-coding your calendar. Setting up these habits from the start is a good idea. Once your inbox starts filling up, it’ll be harder to set time aside.

First impressions count. Be polite to whoever you meet however you meet them. It’s possible you’ll end up working closely with the colleague you bump into at the coffee machine.

Once you’ve got the niceties out of the way, find out who you’ll be working with and who else will help you. Building your first work connections is daunting, but necessary. You won’t know who’s who on your first day and you’ll forget some people’s names and what they do, but that’s OK. They’ll still remember that you made the effort to talk.

If you’re working on a laptop, your first day will involve setting this up and learning how to access the software you need.

Be patient during set-up and familiarise yourself with your workplace’s technology stack. If your new company uses a different system to what you’re used to, it’s normal to feel confused. If you get stuck, ask a colleague.

A new job is an opportunity to set boundaries. Did you find yourself pulling all-nighters at uni to meet deadlines? Or have you been answering work emails at weekends? Starting a new job gives you the chance to break bad habits.

Making sure you’re happy and healthy in your role and outside work is vital. Here are some of our best tips to help you achieve a better work-life balance:

If you’re staring at a screen for eight hours a day, do things you enjoy that don’t involve technology. Try playing a sport, going for a walk or reading a book after work or during your lunch break.

Taking time away from technology is particularly important when working from home. If you finish your workday by switching from Microsoft Teams to streaming a show, you don’t change your environment. Putting your work laptop away as soon as you finish creates a divide between work and home.

If you find yourself in an afternoon slump or struggle to wake up on time, pause to understand what your body needs. Perhaps you need to switch up your sleeping habits or change when you eat lunch. If your job has flexible working hours, try switching up your start times to better suit your body clock – and your lifestyle. Establishing the structure that works for you is the difference between a thriving and a surviving work-life balance.

Time management is a vital skill. It’ll boost your performance and wellbeing.

Once you’ve mastered time management, you’ll know what’s realistic within your working hours and won’t be scrambling to finish tasks under pressure (or in your own time). Like any skill, it’ll get better with practice. Start by being honest with what’s a realistic workload when you join a company so that you avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Even if your colleagues become your friends, keep in touch with people who aren’t connected to work. You don’t want to end up chatting about workplace politics when you need to relax.

When you first start a new role, it’s even more important to have an external sounding board. Your friends and family will be excited about your new opportunity and happy to help you adjust!

Internships are a great way to get experience and insight into a company. Plus, they’ll help you see if it’s the right industry for you.

Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your internship experience:

Even if you’ll only be interning for a short time, it’s still possible to make career-long connections.

Connecting with colleagues will be beneficial in the long run. It’ll also help your workmates remember you once you leave – you never know, they might ask you back for a graduate job!

Although internships are usually lower paid and only last a short time, treat it like a real job – because it is one. So, turn up on time, be professional and put in the effort to produce the best results.

Just because you’re an intern, it doesn’t mean you can’t offer your thoughts and ideas. If anything, being vocal and expressing your opinion when appropriate will impress colleagues.

By working hard in your internship, you’ll either leave with valuable experience or be able to convert it into a full-time role.

Think your internship is going to offer you a job? Here are five things to check before you sign a contract.

Working in a remote or hybrid job has its benefits, such as increased flexibility and reduced time commuting. But starting a new job is often trickier when you’re not in the same place as your colleagues.

Here are our tips for starting a job when working remotely:

When you’re not in an office, people won’t realise there’s a new face around.

Ask your manager if it’s possible to announce your arrival, either via a message or in a company meeting. That way, everyone will know there’s a newbie to say hello to.

So, you don’t have a desk buddy to talk to. But you do have colleagues who are only a message away, and they’ll be happy to help you.

As long as you keep most things focused on work, there’s also no harm in asking your new workmates about their weekend when you join a video call or talk via email.

Be sure to join any virtual company events and sign up for group activities, such as feedback forums.

If you’re in a hybrid role, plan your office days for the maximum benefit. Attend the same day as your manager, go in for face-to-face meetings and take part in team lunches.

Even if going into the office is optional, it’s still worth showing your face.