Starting your new job can be a bit of a whirlwind, with a huge amount to take in. You will obviously want to make the right impression, figure out how systems and the team dynamic works, and still remember everyone’s names by the end of the day. However, the first day in a commercial role should be exciting and is considerably easier to navigate when you know what to expect. At Quest, we talk to people stepping into new jobs every week, and we’ve seen how small actions can make a huge difference. Here’s what the first day really looks like and how you can make it count.
Settling In
Most companies start your day with an introduction. You’ll meet your manager or the person who will guide you through your first few hours. You might be shown around the office, learn where to grab a coffee, and meet a few people in the team. There’s often some paperwork too, such as right-to-work forms or payroll details. It’s all part of getting you set up properly. It is advised to bring any documents your recruiter or HR contact asked for, plus a pen and a paper. It shows you’re organised and ready to hit the ground running. You don’t need to overthink it, but listen carefully and take in as much as you can. The first hello matters more than you realise.
Meeting The Team
Commercial teams thrive on collaboration and team cohesion. You might be joining an office full of chatty colleagues or a quieter space where people need minimal distractions to complete their work. Every team has its own dynamic, and you’ll find out the ‘feeling’ of the team soon enough. On your first day, take a genuine interest in the people around you. Ask how long they’ve been with the company or what they think it takes to exceed within the role. It breaks the ice and shows you’re someone who values connection. If you’re in a hybrid role and meet your team online, a friendly message to introduce yourself goes a long way. Most people remember the newcomer who brought an eagerness-to-learn attitude, not the one who stayed silent.
Learning New Systems
Commercial roles usually involve technology, and your first few days will include some level of system training. You might be shown how to log customer calls, update certain spreadsheets, or manage company emails. Nobody expects you to master it all immediately but what matters is your attitude to learning. It is advised to take notes on processes, jot down who to ask for help, and don’t be shy about repeating something if you didn’t catch it the first time. Managers appreciate honesty far more than quiet confusion. A few focused questions can save hours of guessing later. Confidence grows with clarity, so ask early and ask often.
Understanding What Success Looks Like
Every role has its own definition of ‘success’. Maybe it’s meeting daily targets, completing admin tasks accurately, or providing exceptional customer support. During your induction, ask your manager what your main priorities are for the week. You’ll get a clear idea of what matters most and can start shaping your work routine around it. Most managers love when new starters show curiosity about how to do well. It signals ambition and reliability. Write down the key expectations they mention and revisit them at the end of your first week. It’s an easy way to measure progress and keep yourself on track.
Making a Professional Impression
How you carry yourself on your first day says a lot about how you’ll approach the rest of your job. Dress neatly, arrive on time, and keep your phone out of sight during introductions. You don’t have to be overly formal, just present yourself in a way that fits the environment.
We recommend that you pay attention to how your colleagues communicate and if the tone is friendly and informal, join in. If it’s more structured, match that style. Adapting early helps you blend in naturally to the team. Keep your energy positive, even if you’re feeling nervous. A willingness to help is often the strongest first impression you can make.
Taking in the Culture
Every workplace is different. Some offices are happy to operate with background chatter, while others run on quiet concentration. You’ll quickly pick up how people interact and what the pace feels like. Use your first day to observe how you will fit into the dynamic of the office. Notice how meetings start, how breaks are taken, and how people talk about their work. If you’re joining through Quest Employment, remember your consultant knows this culture well. Reach out to them if you’d like some insight before you start. A small bit of preparation can make a big difference in how confident you feel walking through the door.
Handling the Information Overload
The first day can feel like someone opened a tap of new information and forgot to turn it off. Names, passwords, procedures, even where the paperclips live it’s a lot to take in. Don’t expect to remember everything. The trick is to stay calm and prioritise what you need most for the next day. When the day ends, read through any notes taken for five minutes before you relax. That quick recap helps your brain store the important details and if something still doesn’t make sense, ask again tomorrow. Nobody expects a new hire to know it all after one day.
Building Early Confidence
Confidence doesn’t arrive fully formed on day one. It grows over time from the little wins like understanding a process, remembering a name, sending a clear, well-structured email. Focus on small achievements rather than trying to impress everyone immediately. Your manager will notice consistency and enthusiasm more than instant expertise. If you make a mistake, own it, fix it, and move on. Every experienced team member has had the same learning curve. What sets strong employees apart is how they recover and adapt. Stay patient with yourself and the process. The comfort you want will come faster than you think.
Checking In With Your Recruiter
Once your first day is done, take a few minutes to share how it went with your recruiter. They’ll want to know you’ve settled in and can help iron out any early questions. It’s also a chance to reflect on what you enjoyed most. Talking it through can help you see progress even when you feel overwhelmed. At Quest Employment, we always say the first day is only the start of the story. The more we know about your experience, the better we can support you as you grow in your new role.
Looking Ahead
Your first day in a commercial job sets the stage for everything that follows. Listen more than you speak, learn from everyone, and keep your mindset open. No one remembers every detail from day one, but they do remember the person who showed up willing to learn and had the teams’ best interest at heart.
If you’re ready to take that next step, we have a range of commercial opportunities waiting for people just like you. Contact us to see current roles and start your journey toward something great.
