Getting a new (or first) job is an exciting time and should be celebrated. Your hard work in the application stage has finally paid off. But even if you’ve read the job description and met the hiring manager at the interview stage, you may still be feeling uncertain about what your employer expects from you as you start your role…
Of course, employer expectations will vary by industry. It’s therefore important to do your research before day one and to ask questions. However, there are a few things that you can do that will help you set yourself up for success in your new job. The key is presenting yourself as professional and prepared to build new relationships in your new role. We’ve listed six tips you should follow if you want to successfully manage your new employer’s expectations.
- Punctuality
- Work attire
- Mobile phone use
- Language use
- Effective and timely communication
- Self-motivation
- Honesty
Punctuality
Arriving to work on time is a really important aspect of professionalism. It’s also important to remember that punctuality doesn’t just extend to arriving on time, it means you should take care to leave the role at the end of your shift at the right time and to keep track of your time spent on breaks. Punctuality demonstrates a strong work ethic, but it’s also a good way to show you understand and value other people’s time. After all, if you’re taking an extra 30-minute break without good reason, your colleagues may be the ones picking up your work and missing out on their own breaks.
To help with punctuality, consider testing the work commute in advance to have a realistic idea of the time needed to get there on time. Also consider adding reminders on your phone of when to leave or get back from a break. Of course, managers know that things can turn up out of your control. In that case, a clear and direct message is needed to let them know you might be late. This is important to show yourself as a dependable team member.
Work attire
The right clothes are essential for making a positive first impression, and it’s also a great way to help yourself feel more confident and comfortable. Of course, what might be considered appropriate in one industry might not be in the other, so it’s important to do your research and ask questions. If you’re not sure, it’s best to opt for a more professional look in the first few days. This gives you the option to see what other people are wearing and allows you to decide if it’s appropriate to opt for a more casual look.
No matter what you wear, it’s important to make sure your clothes are clean and allow you to do the job safely and comfortably. It is worth asking if the hiring organisation has an employee handbook, as this guide can often offer advice on what clothing is considered appropriate for the role.
Phone use
Generally, avoid using your mobile phone (unless you are on break) when you first start the role. This is because some organisations can have very strict rules about mobile phone usage, so it’s best to stay on the side of caution. Some organisations may even offer you lockers for your phone. It is very easy to get distracted by your personal phone, so your work could suffer and you could become unproductive. It’s especially true if you’re in a customer facing role, as constant mobile phone usage may make you appear unapproachable by customers.
That being said, there are roles where you will need to have your mobile phone on hand at times. If that’s the case, it’s worth having an honest discussion with the manager about their expectations. There may also be rules about accessing emails or work information on personal devices, so it is worth checking that out too. Of course, if you are waiting for an urgent call and need to keep your device on you, let your manager know and they can see how they can accommodate your needs.
Language use
It may feel obvious to say, but be mindful of the language you are using in a work environment. This means avoiding swearing, slang, euphemisms, and abbreviations. You might use these things around your friends but it is not what your employer expects from you in a work environment. This also goes for the stories you tell at work. Even if you work with a friend, or become close to any colleagues, certain stories are not appropriate for work. Save that night out story for a break outside the office or use it as a chance to meet up with your close colleagues outside of work. The stories you tell can paint a picture of you to your employer and it may not be in a very positive light.
Along with your language use, have consideration for the tone you use in work. Make sure you adopt a friendly and approachable tone with your colleagues, managers, and customers. It makes for a happier working environment and means you remain approachable. We know this can be difficult when something at work has bothered you, but it is important to remain professional. The last thing you want is to be considered someone who is unapproachable or rude in the workplace or even risk offending a colleague.
Effective and timely communication
As we explained in the punctuality section, it’s important to offer clear communication to colleagues. This can help others adapt to the unexpected and prevent miscommunications. This means it’s vital, especially when you start your role, to offer updates on your work to your team members and managers. This is because they will not yet have a full picture on your skills and current capabilities, so they need to know where you’re up to be able to help you progress.
Effective communication can mean different things to different people. It’s important to check if the organisation has procedures in place to support effective communication. Emails are a common way to achieve this, but many places now opt for methods that better allow more people to be updated at once, such as Teams or Slack. Make sure you get set up on the IT system, if applicable, as soon as possible.
Self-motivation
Self-motivation links to effective communication. How? When you first move into a role, it may not be initially clear to yourself or others what your exact job role is. It’s therefore important for you to show yourself ready to take on new tasks if you feel capable of doing it or to take time out to learn a new skill. This self-motivation will show your team members that you are a reliable person who understands that the role is going to require you to learn new skills.
It is also an important employer expectation because other team members might at times be very busy, and how you use work time reflects strongly on your work ethics. If you’re using time to consistently squeeze in extra breaks, you’re not being a team player. Asking others if there’s anything you can help with will ensure you’ll settle into the team quickly.
Honesty
Just as you would hope for your hiring manager to be truthful about the nature of the job, your employer has the right to expect a certain level of honesty on your behalf. This doesn’t mean you need to offer a detailed answer to every question, and you’re perfectly in your right to refuse to answer personal questions, but in this context, we’re talking about offering an honest answer to your skills, experience, and expectations of the role. If you make a mistake, don’t try to cover it up. Admitting to it as soon as you find out is much better. It shows an awareness of your mistakes and also allows other people to teach you how to fix them before they escalate.
Honesty is crucially important. Dishonesty negatively impacts company morale and can have you facing disciplinary procedures. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to pause and search for an answer. If none can be found, don’t be afraid to ask. Employers don’t expect new starters to know everything. They do expect them to be honest about that.
Final thoughts: handling nerves
It’s normal to feel nervous on your first day, especially if it’s your first job. Preparation can help you anticipate your new employer’s expectations, and don’t be afraid to ask other team members how they felt on their first day!
Last updated on 17 February 2025
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