Beginning a new job can be thrilling. You’ve overcome the worries that come with landing the job, which can be both a massive relief as well as a big dose of confidence. You can also start looking forward to your first paycheck and getting started on work you find interesting.

However, as the first day gets closer, it’s normal to get a bit nervous as you start to think about how you will fit into the workplace culture. While you may have what is takes to succeed, getting along with an entire group of strangers is a different challenge altogether. In fact, a recent survey showed 89 percent of hiring failures are a result of poor cultural fit.

Fortunately, there are simple ways of fitting into a new job and adjusting to a new workplace culture.

Do your due diligence

The professional obligations of a new job may commence on the first day, but that does not mean you ought to walk through the front door being completely oblivious to the work environment.

Do some research on the business culture prior to your first day. Speak with any contacts you have there, including those who interviewed you, and ask them for suggestions. In the event you know someone who already works for the business or is a former employee, try to arrange a casual meeting to learn what you can.

The internet is a useful tool here. LinkedIn can provide you with a sense of your colleagues before you meet them, and a business Facebook page can indicate what type of culture you’ll be going into. Glassdoor can provide you with anonymous reviews, but these reviews should be read with the realization things tend to skew negative on the internet. The company’s website can also be a good source of information on the company’s overarching mission and culture.

Be aware, take notes

During your first weeks on the job, you’ll likely be taking notes on procedures and technical practices. It also doesn’t hurt to take notes on names and personal preferences of your co-workers. It may feel a bit awkward to take notes on other people and you may be worried about “getting caught,” but you’re not doing it with a malicious intent. You’re just trying to get to know people and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Stay engaged

After the first few months, you will start to feel more comfortable in your surroundings. However, it’s important not to disengage from the company culture and get lazy about fitting in. There are busy seasons and slow seasons in many industries, and these periods have a way of straining even the best relationships.

Throughout your first year on the job, you need to continue to meet colleagues in different parts of the company and learn how everyone interacts.

At Action Group Staffing, we continue to support our contract workers throughout the entire course of their placement and beyond. If you’re currently looking to work for a talent acquisition company that has your back, please contact us today.