You aced the interview, handed in your notice in your current role, and are ready to start a new job. While it can definitely be exciting, chances are you’re nervous about this change. And that’s totally normal. From making a good impression to anxiety about settling in, most people have worries about starting a new gig.

The good news is: there are things you can do to make the whole process a success. We talk to the experts about what you should do in your first month at a new job to settle in, make a good impression and feel confident in your role.

Here’s what they said we should all do in the first 30 days of a new job…

Before you even step foot in the office, there are things you can do to help you hit the ground running.

“Be clear on your job description and the tasks you’ll be required to complete,” says Alice Stapleton, a career change coach. “If you’re aware of any likely skills or knowledge gaps, complete relevant courses and conduct research online to help you fill these gaps before you start in your new role.”

It’s useful to understand more about the organisation too. “Read up on the company, its history, its values and culture, as well as what it’s been working on recently and its corporate strategy and KPIs for the next few years,” advises Stapleton. She also recommends researching who works there on LinkedIn. 

“Make room for any anxiety and uncertainty,” says chartered psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo. “Think back to other new situations or previous times when you have started a new job. Try and remember how you navigated the new experience and remember that the feelings did pass.”

Quinn-Cirillo suggests trying basic grounding exercises. Breathe in through your nose and slowly out through your mouth. Sit and place your feet flat on the floor and gently apply pressure. Notice one or two things you can see and hear around you. 

“Prepare and practise a short summary of your background and previous work experience,” says Stapleton. “Lots of people are likely to ask you about it, so have a little ‘elevator pitch’ prepared.” This way, you won’t find yourself stumbling for words when a colleague asks you about yourself or your past job.

Get the basics right: be on time, dress appropriately and be polite and friendly to everyone. Quinn-Cirillo emphasises how dressing in a way that’s comfortable is important in helping you feel confident – there’s no point wearing high heels and a tight pencil skirt if you know they’ll make you feel restricted and not yourself.

And yes, we’re talking about maintaining all of this throughout the first month, not just on your first day. 

“Be a sponge,” advises Stapleton. “Take lots of notes. Ask lots of questions, and listen carefully to what people have to say. Avoid the phrase, ‘In my last company, we did it this way…’.”

Quinn-Cirillo agrees. “Be authentic, consistent and allow space and time to listen and learn. Be curious,” she says. “Ask questions and reflect but don’t dominate and try and steam ahead totally unaided as a means to impress.”

You’re not expected to know everything. Asking questions is a sign you’re engaged and taking your role seriously. 

“Arrange short one-to-ones with each relevant department to get a sense of what they do, and how you can be effective in the way you work together,” Stapleton says. This is great for building your understanding of the organisation and where you fit in.

“Accept that it takes time to build workplace relationships,” she adds. “There’s no immediate rush to befriend everyone.” Say yes to social events or having lunch, especially with those you think you click with. 

If you have a desk, Quinn-Cirillo suggests personalising it. “Familiarity can create a sense of containment and safety. This is great for reducing anxiety,” she explains. A photo of your cat is bound to cheer you up when you’re feeling stressed – as well as being a good conversation starter. 

“At the start, get a clear indication from your line manager as to what they want you to prioritise and achieve in the first month,” Stapleton says. “Keep checking in on your progress against these goals, and keep a noted summary of what you’ve done to work towards them.

“If no one sets expectations of you to start with, create your own list of priorities and have these signed off by HR or your line manager. You need to know what you’re working towards, especially if promotions and career progression are solely based on performance tracking.”

Your relationship with your line manager is important. “Make the effort to understand what their pain points are as a manager,” says Stapleton. “What problems do they need you to resolve in your role? Discuss your ideas for solutions and get their feedback on what would work best.

“Try to understand what makes them tick. What common ground do you have with each other? What values and beliefs do you share? While it’s a professional working relationship, remember that they are just a person at the end of the day, and there’s room for you to develop a positive relationship along the way.”

“Seeking regular feedback can reassure you that you’re doing a good job, and help you feel more confident in your role,” Stapleton explains. “Set yourself the task of reviewing your achievements and work ‘wins’ each week. Review what went well, and what you can do differently next week. Continually reviewing your own progress can help build your confidence over time.”

Stapleton recommends arranging regular catchups with your line manager to review your progress and get feedback. What are you doing well? What needs to be done differently? What can you bring to the role that you aren’t already?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t sit on it – it will only become magnified, advises Quinn-Cirillo. “Try to identify what the key issues actually are and possible problem-solving ideas.” Speak to your line manager about this. Quinn-Cirillo also suggests considering whether there are any additional stressors in your life outside of work that are impacting you – it may be that letting your line manager know can help.

And if imposter syndrome creeps in? “Remember they offered you the job because you were what they were looking for,” reassures Stapleton. ”Remember the strengths, skills, and experience they saw in you that meant you were a good fit for the role. Remind yourself of your CV highlights and previous achievements, and why these mean you’ll be off to a good start.” 

Want more news, features and advice on the world of work? Sign up to the How To Work email below.

Images: Getty; Stylist