That’s it, you got your dream job – it’s your first day! Now it’s time to really show your new employer that they were right in hiring you for the role. What to do?

One word: Communication!

Why? Unless you build relationships with your manager, your manager’s manager, the team, stakeholders, colleagues and peers, you will not be able to get the job done effectively.

Your manager: Sit down with your manager to understand the short term goals that you can work towards in your first 100 days in order to make a significant difference. Understand the long term goals your manager and manager’s boss have for your role too. Pinpoint the key people who will help you achieve these goals; the influencers, the movers and the shakers.

Your peers and colleagues: Having lunch, coffee or even a joke at the water cooler will be time well spent to not only get to know your colleagues but more about the company’s informal culture. Ask questions, show interest and empathy.

Your stakeholders: Do the same if located in same place or phone, Skype or travel if based abroad.

My tip is to take notes from these types of interactions to revisit later. It will go a long way to show that you care and people will help you get your job done. Ask for feedback, share your experiences and think about what you want your new colleagues to know of you and how your message will come across.

These informal meetings will go along way to help you succeed and be viewed as a great new hire with great emotional intelligence.

Remember: Communicate, communicate, communicate!

building relationships, Career advice, communication, emotional intelligence, EQ, first day at work, new hire, new job advice