If you’ve recently received a job offer, congratulations! Starting the next chapter in your career is always a huge step forward with excited (and sometimes nervous) emotions, especially if it has been a long time since you’ve moved jobs. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, we’ve put together a quick check list to ensure your first day at your new job goes as smoothly as possible. Dress Intentionally If you haven’t been told already, ask your human resources contact at the company about the dress code at your office. Depending on your company culture and job position, make sure you dress intentionally. If the office is business casual, you don’t want to walk in with a full three-piece suit and tie on the first day! If you interviewed previously at the office, try to remember how the other employees were dressed. Arrive Early As much as the previous night’s sleep may have been interrupted from nerves, waking up early, having a healthy breakfast, and arriving at the job early gives you time to get used to your surroundings and calm your worries. It also informs your new employer that you are prepared and excited to be working for them. Grab Lunch With Your New Co-Workers Offering to get lunch or sit and eat lunch with your new co-workers or team members is a great way to break the ice. You’ll get to know your co-workers better, (names, interests, job titles), understand the company culture and ask any additional questions that might have come up during your first morning on the job. Prep Your Best Small Talk While you’re trying to get to know your fellow co-workers, they are trying to get to know you! Come into the office with a few great stories about your life, your hobbies or industry-related topics that might be of interest to your new co-workers. Most importantly, be honest and be you! Be Prepared to Listen The first day on the job can be stressful, with new information seemingly coming from all different sides of the room all at once! Bring a notepad to jot down notes about each meeting or presentation. This will help you absorb the new information while giving you a great way to remind yourself of anything you might need additional follow-up on later. Ask Questions As a new employee, this is your chance to ask as many questions as possible. Don’t be afraid of annoying your new boss with questions! Asking questions signals to them that you’re genuinely interested in the position you were hired for and that you are eager to learn. By Jessica Prouty