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5 Key Takeaways for Your First Day in a New Job

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Ryan C. 
Group Talent Acquisition Manager

Ryan C. got his start with Enterprise Mobility as a Management Trainee right after graduating from the University of Memphis. Making fast progress with skills for both home city and airport operations, he rose through our Daily Rental ranks to the position of Branch Manager. His dedication, leadership, and performance earned him the title of Talent Acquisition Specialist. In this role, Ryan ranked in the top 20% of the TA Matrix monthly, executed a top-performing internship program and developed strong relationships with local universities while also adding new colleges and universities to his portfolio. Shortly after, Regional Talent Acquisition Manager. In 2024, he kept his career mobility going even further with a promotion to Group Talent Acquisition Manager and winning the Exceptional Achievement Award. With an additional certification from the Society for Human Resource Management, Ryan’s underscored his commitment to excellence in his field and continues to be a leader in our community.

The first day at a new job can feel like a whirlwind—new faces, new systems, and a flood of information. While it’s impossible to learn everything in one day, there are a few key things you should walk away knowing. These foundational insights will help you feel more grounded and confident as you settle into your new role.

1. Who’s Who on Your Team
Understanding who you’ll be working with is essential. By the end of your first day, you should know:

  • Your direct manager and their expectations
  • Your immediate teammates and their roles
  •  Key contacts in HR, IT, or other support functions

Why it matters: Building relationships early helps you integrate faster and know who to turn to when you have questions.


2. What Success Looks Like in Your Role
Even if you’re still learning the ropes, you should have a clear idea of:

  • Your core responsibilities
  • Short-term goals or projects
  • How your performance will be measured

Why it matters: Getting clarity on expectations helps you prioritize your efforts and align with your manager from the start.


3. How to Navigate Tools and Systems
You don’t need to master every platform on Day One, but you should know:

  • How to access your email, calendar, and communication tools
  • Where to find company resources or documentation
  • Who to contact for tech support

Why it matters: Getting comfortable with the tools of the trade helps you work more efficiently and independently.


4. The Company’s Culture and Norms
Pay attention to how people interact, dress, and communicate. By the end of the day, you should have a sense of:

  • The tone and pace of the workplace
  • How meetings are run
  • What’s valued (collaboration, innovation, punctuality, etc.)

Why it matters: Understanding the culture helps you adapt and build rapport with your colleagues.


5. What’s Next
Before you log off, make sure you know:

  • What’s expected of you tomorrow
  • Any meetings or training sessions coming up
  • Who to reach out to if you have questions overnight

Why it matters: Knowing what’s ahead gives you a sense of direction and reduces first-week anxiety.


Final Thought
Your first day is just the beginning, but it’s a powerful opportunity to set the tone for your success. Focus on learning, listening, and connecting. If you walk away with these five things in mind, you’re already off to a great start.

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