So, you’ve aced that big job interview and secured your dream role – now what? Any jobseeker will know that starting a new job is in equal parts scary and exciting. From deciding what to wear to finding your way round your new workstation – there are probably a million and one things whirring through your mind right now.

The first bit of advice we can give you is to relax and take a breather, nobody expects you to know your way on your first day. In fact most companies expect it to take 90 days for a new team member to properly find their feet.

Remember, you were picked for the job out of potentially dozens of other applicants – so your hiring manager definitely thinks you’re a good fit already. Besides whatever you lack in experience of the company, you can more than make up for in willingness to prove yourself. So, how do you do that exactly? It’s actually a lot simpler than you might think, here are our pointers on how to impress on your first day of work.

Do your homework

Chances are, you’ve already done a lot of research before your interview. In case you haven’t, now’s your time to get your study on. It’s not just to impress your new boss, it’s also about giving yourself a heads up of what to expect so you’re not going in completely blind. If you want to really stand out from the crowd, you could even give yourself a bit of a project by coming up with some ideas on how your new workplace can improve business. That way, you’re bringing something to the table from the get go.

Play it safe

Until you know what your new workplace’s policies are on dress code, punctuality and overall conduct – it’s best to play it safe and err on the more conservative side. It’s always better to go too formal than too informal on the first day, then when you’ve got a better feel for the place you can adapt to their company culture. Trust us, there’s nothing more awkward than turning up in casual clothing when everyone else is suited and booted.

Show up early

Don’t turn up hours early, but a perfectly reasonable 10-15 minutes before your official start time is ideal. It may seem old fashioned, but there’s nothing like showing willingness by being early. You want to show your new employer that you’re a dedicated and trustworthy employee, so if you’ve got to take an unfamiliar route to your new workplace just make sure you plan your journey in advance or, better yet, have a practice run if it’s not too far away.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

When it comes to figuring out how you can make the most difference to your new workplace, you need knowledge on your side. As the newbie, it’s fully expected that you’ll have uncertainties and your superiors will be most accommodating to your questions at this point. So have a think about things you need to know to feel more confident and bring a list of questions. Not only will it fuel you with ideas and inspiration on how to impress, it’ll also make you look super organised to your managers and means you get all that uncertainty out of the way in one fell swoop.

Get to grips with their culture

Each workplace has its own unique social landscape, and if you’re not a natural social butterfly – it can be a bit daunting to walk into a place where everyone knows everyone already. The good news is that you’ve been hired with the company’s culture in mind, so management clearly feel like you’ll fit in well. Still, it’s best to try to get to grips with the company culture from day one to suss out the team’s structure and see to identify where you’ll fit in.

Be sociable

If you’re lucky, you might get asked out for drinks or lunch on your first day. The thought of non-work related chatter may fill you with dread, but you shouldn’t turn down these opportunities to bond with your team. It sends the wrong message and may make you seem unapproachable to colleagues which can be a red flag for management. Besides, who doesn’t want a fast track to figuring out who their work buddies will be?

Show your worth

Think back to your interview, what did the hiring managers like about you? What made them choose you? If it was your enthusiasm for bringing in new business, make sure you show an interest in their business development plans. Or if it was your personable customer-led approach, demonstrate that in your dealings with clients. Show them the sides of you that ticked their boxes and you’ll be an integral part of the team in no time.

Keen to learn more about what employer’s want from you? Why not take a look at our other career advice articles.