You have gone through a series of job interviews, but now your job hunt is finally over. Ahead are some exciting opportunities.

You will be getting acquainted with your new team, dive into the specifics of your role and hopefully make a positive impression on your new boss.

But how do you make the most of your first day at work? That’s what you are about to find out.

1. Prep a List of Questions

A lot of new employees are shy to ask questions on their first day but this is the time to do it. And while most people will ask where the bathroom is and what is the best place to go for lunch, you can put together a list of questions that would demonstrate how excited you are about your new role and the upcoming projects.

Here are some examples:

What are the company expectations toward me in the first month?

How will my success be measured?

What is the biggest obstacle facing the team today and what will be my role in solving it?

2. Put Yourself out There

Greet people in the elevator, in the kitchen, and even in the bathroom. If you were offered to go have lunch with your colleagues or your boss, go.

In the end, it will pay off. HR expert Amanda Augustine advises you to take the initiative in getting to know your colleagues:

"You could get into a hectic environment where the employees simply don't have the time to approach you and say hi. This means you are the one to make an introduction starting with the people you will work with directly."

3. Come up with an Elevator Pitch

Following my previous point, you need to have a 30-second elevator pitch ready so your new colleagues are interested in learning more about you. Similarly, you should take a keen interest in your new colleagues too.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

How long have you been with the company?

What’s your role within the company and what projects are you currently working on?

What was your first day like? Do you have any advice for someone surviving their first day?

Show genuine interest in getting to know your colleagues and ask questions that can make a positive impact on that first impression you are going to make.

David Parnell argues "Taking a passive versus proactive response would be a mistake. The first day sets the tone for the rest of your career with those who you'll be interacting with.”

4. Learn the Ropes

The best way to kick-start your first day is to to get to know what kind of communication is preferred in your organization. Pay attention to how your team members interact with each other as well as with their superiors.

In the future, it will help you better navigate and achieve your career goals.

Examples:

Does your team prefer to set up meetings and talk about things in person?

Would they rather you sent them emails or Slack them?

5. Be There to Help

Chances are your first day will be slow-moving, as you will just be learning things and have your boss and team member adjust to the fact that you are there.

That does not mean that you should sit still and wait for an assignment to arrive for you. Instead, you should offer a hand whenever you think you could be of help. This will show your initiative, build rapport with your boss and colleagues.

6. Avoid Talking About Your Old Job

It might be difficult not to compare your new job with the one you had previously, but you may want to avoid doing that. While it might seem to you that you are just sharing your experience talking about things you used to do, your colleagues might think of you as a know-it-all. Rather than drawing comparisons, you may want to mention how your previous job will help you succeed in your new role.

7. Go Easy on Yourself

Your first day at a new job is going to be stressful. You will get learn your way around the office, meet a great number of people and process a ton of new information.

Remember that nobody expects you to learn everything on your first day let alone month. You will forget people's names, you will ask some stupid questions on more than one occasion, and you might find yourself in some embarrassing situations. But it is all OK.

Go easy on yourself and remember that you will soon be in your comfort zone. It just takes time.

Max Woolf

Writer, Zety email: max@zety.com