First impressions count

So you've been offered a job, accepted and been given a start date - first impressions can be key to success.

Obviously your new employer can see value in adding you to their organisation. However this does not mean that you should take your new position for granted. The first impressions you give your new employer upon starting your contract can have dramatic effects on how the relationship between you and your new colleagues will develop.

Look your best

For your first day, it is more than acceptable to wear a suit, unless you are 100% confident that the style of dress is more formal every single day. Whilst the day to day dress code may be shirt and trousers, wearing a suit for your first one or two days can do no harm whatsoever:

"You can never be overdressed, but can always be underdressed"

Be punctual

Definitely don't be late! As far as first impressions go, being late on your first day will never go down well. If you're using public transport - set off with plenty of time to spare. Trains and buses can be delayed, cancelled or full, so make sure you give yourself enough time for error. There is no harm in arriving early on your first few days, but the same can't be said for arriving late.

Be prepared

Understand your employer. You should already be familiar with what the company do from the research you conducted for your interviews. If you're still unsure, spend some time learning about the company - who they are, what they do, where they are located. Why not go one step further? Search the web for financial information about the company or news articles that feature the company or its employees … do they supply the supermarkets? Head down to your local supermarket and see if you can spot any of their product lines.

Be alert

Get a good sleep the night before. You will most likely be flooded with information on your first day - names of new co-workers, practices and processes that you will perform, rules and regulations of your new work place - you will be required to take in all this information in a relatively short space of time, so you need to feel refreshed from a good nights sleep and be alert throughout the entire day.