Getting ready to start your new job may require a few steps, but first things first, you’ll have to determine a start date with the employer. In some cases, you may want to give yourself a small cushion before you start to get squared away for your new role, whether it’s buying new clothes, purchasing tools, figuring out your commute, setting up an at-home workspace, or even relocating.

If you haven’t already notified other employers from your job hunt that you’re no longer interested in their position, send them a courtesy email so that they can pursue other candidates. If you held a job while you were applying for a new role, you would want to give the standard two-week notice to your employer that you will be quitting and that your last day will be before your new job begins. Those two weeks give your employer time to post your position and let you tie up loose ends, but you can go longer if you have projects to finish or want to help with your succession plan. However long you go, you should keep it respectful between you and your now former employer so that no one is thrown under the bus. Your new employer will also appreciate a graceful exit from your previous job since it shows professional character.

Leading up to and on your first day, you should be in communication with the human resources department at your new job to ensure you have all the boxes checked off for your start. You may discuss things like parking, security clearance, uniform, or company assets (like a cell phone or computer). You will also need to sign some paperwork like your new hire agreement and have personal documents ready for onboarding and tax purposes like your passport, social security card, and/or driver’s license.

The Big Day

Your first day of work should be treated like your first interview with the company–after all, the impression you left is why they hired you. Make sure to dress appropriately, practice good hygiene, pack any necessary tools or materials (including notebook and pen), arrive on time, and display professional etiquette.

The first day will probably have a few hours of orientation to meet with your supervisor and human resources as well as get familiar with your position and company. You’ll want to be polite, take notes, and ask questions. Also, be ready to make small talk and answer questions from new colleagues who want to get to know who you are, your work history, and what interested you about your new role.

The First 30 Days, What To Do And Not To Do

Here are a few things we recommend doing during your first 30+ days of work:

• Show up on time and uphold professional etiquette
• Make use of notes
• Get to know your new colleagues
• Feel out the workplace culture and customs—what’s ok and what isn’t
• Maintain an organized workplace so you don’t lose important items
• Communicate regularly and check-in with your supervisor and teammates so that you are on the same page
• Acknowledge and reply to emails or interoffice messaging
• Define what goals and successes look like in your new role (this will take more than 30 days, but you should be developing a sense of what to aim for)
• Learn how to make the most use of your time, for example: if your day is full of meetings, figure out approximately much time you have for outstanding tasks
• Take on new challenges
• Ask questions to your team or supervisor if needed
• Talk to HR if you are unsure of responsibilities, expectations, or benefits in your new role

Things you should avoid doing at your new job:

• Get too relaxed (e.g. showing up late, underdressing, taking long lunches/breaks)
• Argue or debate with your supervisor or team
• Talk about your compensation with others at work
• Ask for a raise in the first six months
• Shift blame for mistakes
• Shut yourself or be disrespectful to coworkers
• Ignore emails or requests
• Assume—ask if you need clarification
• Talk negatively about your previous role or employer
• Participate in gossip
• Treat workplace equipment like your personal equipment
• Borrow items from work for personal use without asking
• Steal
• Spend too much time on your phone or doing personal activities other than your work
• Share negative posts on your social media about work
• Discuss politics, religion, or intimate relationships

One other thing that you should not do is doubt yourself. There is a mindset that creeps into people called “imposter syndrome” that makes people second-guess whether they’re deserving of their role. You were hired for this position for a reason and sensible employers and companies understand that there is a learning curve to a role, a culture, and joining a team. If you make a mistake, accept it and learn from it so that you and your work improve.