Top tips to help prepare for your new job

After you’ve moved on from an old job, the wait to start your new role can be both exciting and agonising! That’s why we decided to put together a list of top tips to help you prepare in the lead up to that all important first day.

1. Celebrate! – A new job is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a lavish meal at your favourite restaurant.
2. Chill out –this could be the last chance you have in a while to get through a whole box set in one sitting; get some guilt free Netflix binging in while you can.
3. Practice the commute – one wrong turn and you could end up on the opposite side of the city on your first day; far from ideal.
4. …And make sure you’re prepared for the journey – whether that means filling up the petrol, buying a new book, or getting economical with a monthly bus ticket – don’t leave it to the last minute.
5. Stock up on stationary – if you can’t splash out on a fancy fountain pen when you get a new job, then quite frankly when can you?
6. Organise your diary – because leaving the office for a teeth whitening appointment on Day 3 probably isn’t the best idea in the world.
7. Update your LinkedIn – this could be the first impression your new colleagues have of you; how’s that profile picture looking?
8. Lockdown your social media – do really want your new employees to find those snaps of you from last year’s office Christmas party?
9. Get a haircut – you want to feel confident on your first day, and first impressions count!
10. Prepare some interesting facts – everyone’s going to want to know about the office newbie, make sure to have an impressive story or two ready.
11. Treat yourself – if there’s ever a time to flex that credit card, it’s now.
12. Take a trip – whether it’s New York or Newcastle, a change of scenery can do you the world of good.
13. Plan your lunches – failure to do this will result in the deli next door taking home more of your salary than you do… trust us, we know.
14. Think carefully about how to plan your lunches – take it from us, bringing a smoked mackerel and egg salad into the office is not the best way to make friends. 
15. Organise your life – let’s be honest, if you don’t get through that batch of washing in the corner of your room now, it’s not going to happen.
16. Create a new playlist for your commute – get those inspirational anthems packed into one playlist!
17. Get yourself a thermos for hot drinks – it’s either that or wait in a 15 minute queue to pay for the pleasure of having your name misspelled on a daily basis.
18. Re-vamp your wardrobe – is there any better excuse than landing a new job to hit the high street?
19. Catch up with your friends –Frankly it’s your duty to keep bragging about how amazing your sparkly new job is until your friends can’t stand it anymore.
20. Keep on top of the tidying – do you really want to come home on your first day to a boat load of dishes?
21. Keep your old colleague’s contact details – you never know when you might need to call upon their Excel genius.
22. Keep in contact with your new boss – it’s good to get in touch and establish strong lines of communication now.
23. Find your new co-workers on LinkedIn – it’s a not a bad idea to learn a little bit about your new team…
24. …But don’t get too familiar – it’s going to look more than a little strange if you start reeling off details about your new co-worker’s biggest achievements in your first meeting.
25. And whatever you do, DON’T add them on Facebook before you start – Don’t…. just don’t.
26. Get some exercise – Healthy body, healthy mind! Look after yourself.
27. Use the time to reflect – go in with a clear head and really think about what you want to achieve.
28. Research the company – you’ve aced the interview, so you probably already know a thing or two about your new company. But try to use this time to learn some extra details.
29. Pack your bag the night before – you don’t want to give yourself any extra stress on your first day.
30. Check in with Real – we’re here to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

At Real, we’re here for you every step of the way. Get in touch to find out more about how our consultants are here to help you find the opportunity you’ve been searching for.