Treat everybody like they are the Queen of England
It is going to take a long time to figure out the pecking order of your new job, but whether somebody is a janitor, secretary or the CEO, you NEVER know who has influence over your job. Since people form an opinion about you within the first 7 seconds of meeting you, you want to make sure everybody loves the "new girl." So smile, give a firm handshake and proactively introduce yourself to everybody in sight. Also, try to remember everybody's names if possible, everybody hates the girl who has to ask somebody's name a million times. Seriously, that girl is the worst.
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Eventually your coworkers and your boss are going to expect you to know everything about your job. Until then, you should 100% take advantage of the fact that you are brand spanking new. Sure, there is such a thing as a stupid question, but the only time you can get away with asking one is your first few weeks on the job. So if you don't know, then ask. Besides, people love showing off how much they know, and it's a great way to break the ice with your new workmates. Just be sure to spread the love, there's no reason to ask the same coworker every question, not matter how hot he might be.
Show up early
Even if you feel like you don't really have anything to do because you don't even know how to log in to your new work email yet, always get in on the early side. Not only does it show dedication, it will allow you to get your bearings before your colleagues come in every morning. You would much rather have your boss tell you that you don't need to come in that early then have your boss ask where you are at 9am. The early bird gets the worm, and they also don't get passive aggressive comments from the coworkers that DO make an effort to get in before the boss.
Offer help whenever you can
You are officially the lowest on the totem pole when you start a new job, which means you should be offering to help your new coworkers with almost everything. Are you going out to get coffee? Offer to take orders for the whole team. Are you making copies? See if anybody else needs something while you're in the copy room. Humility is a very underrated quality in a hungry employee, so don't be afraid of turning into the copy girl just because you are offering an extra hand.
Try and get on your superiors' calendar ASAP
The senior employees at any company always have a jam packed calendar, so definitely try and get on it sooner rather than later. It's good to introduce yourself and get to know senior management before taking the plunge with your new gig. Just remember that administrative assistants (aka the politically correct name for a secretary) are the gatekeepers to these VIPs. That means you need to introduce yourself and address them like they are 5 pay grades above you. Because if they don't like you, they will make sure it is impossible for you to get on their calendar. So respect the admins, or they will make your life hell when it comes time to get your expenses approved.
Keep the flirting under control
Obviously you have no intention of starting your new job off by flirting your ass off, but sometimes a new environment and a hot new coworker means your attempts to be charming could come across as flirting. A cute coworker may offer to take you out for "welcome drinks," just try and avoid any one-on-one drinks or lunches that could be interpreted negatively by others. Oh, and definitely don't get wasted at your welcome drinks. It's not a good look and others will notice, so just remember to smile and be friendly...not slutty.
Dress for the job you want
Even though other girls at your office may not have brushed their hair or put any thought into their outfit, part of making a good first impression means not just acting the part, it means looking the part. So get up a little extra early and run a brush through your hair and think about putting on a little mascara, save the unkempt look and sweatpants until after your first annual review.
Don't be afraid to do a little more than you think you can
You are going to fail or mess up at some point, so don't be SO afraid that you're going to fail that you don't even give yourself the chance to. Remember that you got hired for a reason, so believe that you can do anything they throw your way. Don't turn down a new task or project because you think it's too much too soon, go big or go home and don't be afraid to ask for advice from those around you. Hey, it's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do.
Do you have any good advice for your first week at work? Tweet at us @sofeminineUK
This article was written by Dagney Pruner. Follow her on Twitter @dagneyp
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