While you want to rest up the day and night before you start your new job, make fruitful use of the remainder of any lag time you have before starting.  Contact HR and complete ahead of time some of the mountain of forms that will surely be waiting for you.  This will enable you to focus your first day more on getting to know your workplace and co-workers, and to jump right in to work. Keep up-to-date on the company by following its website, social media presence, and media mentions.  Be ready for any changes (good or bad) that may happen between your hiring and first day. Ask your supervisor if there is any research, organization, or other preparatory work you can begin before your first day.  This will help you get a “leg up” on your initial tasks and shows initiative. The first impression you make on your co-workers will be difficult to change, so provide them an image of a friendly, engaging, helpful, and dedicated compatriot.  Do a little homework on the web to familiarize yourself with your co-workers ahead of time (basic info, not life histories — you want to be seen as a friend, not a stalker).  Then, on your first day, introduce yourself to everyone you can, but in an organic, sensible manner.  That is, don’t walk right past people without shaking hands and giving your name, but also don’t glad-hand around the room like you’re running for President while people are busy working.  Accept invitations to lunch, drinks after work, or other such get-togethers if at all possible.  This is part of why you want to pack a first-day lunch that you don’t have to feel bad about leaving in your desk (or worry about the smell if you do).  Volunteer to help with tasks, or even take one on yourself.  Earn a reputation right from the start as a helpful, eager “team player.”  Don’t let it backfire by taking on tasks for which you are not yet prepared to do well, however. As indicated in this section, you don’t want to be a wallflower on your first day.  At the same time, however, don’t spend so much time trying to force a good first impression that you miss opportunities to gather key intelligence about your new workplace and co-workers.  Watch how decision are made, and get a feeling for where the centers of power reside and how the office politics play out.  Much of this may not occur in the same manner as described in your orientation packet.  Get an idea about who you need to befriend and who you should be wary of if you want to succeed. Pay attention to the office rules — phone and social media usage, breaks, dress code, etc. — presented during your orientation, but also observe the “rules.”  That is, see how things are actually done on the ground.  It’s best to err on the side of the official policies, especially early on, but you also want to know how things operate among your co-workers. On a side note regarding your phone:  silence it the first day, if possible.  Present an image of focus and dedication. Your co-workers and supervisors probably expect some mistakes and failures as you adjust, but that doesn’t mean they want to hear you explain them away by saying “I’m new here” or “It’s my first day.”  No one likes excuses, even when they are somewhat understandable, so making a “no excuses” first impression will pay dividends for you.  Through preparation and focused effort, do all you can to make your initial tasks be successful tasks.  The quality of your initial work can help you earn a reputation as a “go to” person who can be trusted to do exceptional work. Do the job to the best of your abilities, and if you need guidance or help, ask for it.  People expect the new guy / gal to need some assistance.  It’s better to meet a new co-worker by asking “Can you give me a hand formatting this?  I want to make sure I do it right.” than it is to say “Sorry I messed up that formatting.   I’m new here, after all.”
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One-sentence summary -- Start before you start. Be eager but not overbearing. Listen, observe, and learn. Don’t make excuses.


This can be a cat bed, or a corner of a room set aside for it. As any cat owner knows, however, a cat will claim spots for itself, which might be your favorite chair, or computer, or pillow. Playing “on your feet, lose your seat” with your cat can be a little frustrating, but that’s part of the fun of having a cat! These are made of various rough materials (cardboard, rope, carpet, etc.) that cats can scratch and enjoy. They are readily available at pet supply stores. These can have multiple sections and tiers, with areas for your cat to scratch, for toys to hang on, tunnels or boxes to climb, etc. You can find these at pet supply stores. Cat grass can give your cat a bit of nature indoors. This type of plant is safe for cats to eat, and is readily available from pet supply stores. Plant some in a pot (or a few!) and set it around your house for your cat to explore. You'll enjoy watching your cat try to eat it. Cats love to watch birds, squirrels, and other creatures, and to keep an eye on outside activity. A window can be a great source of entertainment, especially if you have a cat who stays indoors permanently. An enclosed outdoor space can be a fun way for your indoor cat to get a taste of the outdoors. For instance, if you have a screened-in area of a home, such as a porch or sunroom, you can let your cat have access to it. Cat leashes are available at pet supply stores. They have a small harness and lead for you to walk a cat much as you would a dog. Not every cat will cooperate with a leash, so it take some time to train your cat to walk on a leash. It is easiest to start while the cat is young so it can get used to it. Outdoor cats can have fun pouncing on things, hiding and sneaking, and hunting small creatures. If you want to start bringing an outdoor cat indoors, do so slowly. Gradually have it spend more time indoors. You will also have to have patience while getting it used to using a litterbox, scratching post, and other indoor things. Cats are active creatures, but typically will play in short bursts of 5-15 minutes.  It's a great idea for cats to play frequently, so try having a few short play sessions at different times during the day.
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One-sentence summary -- Make sure your cat has a place or places to call its own. Get your cat a scratching post. Buy or build a cat “tree” for your cat to play on. Put containers of cat grass inside your home. Let your cat have access to a window, if you can. Try safe places for an indoor cat to spend some time outdoors. Walk your cat on a leash. Let your cat play outdoors, if it is safe to do so. Play with your cat often.


If you have a medium or deep brown skin tone, you may want to try lipstick in a bright color like bright pink, bright purple, or bright red. Bright colors will pop against your skin tone and enhance the warm undertones of your complexion. Try to maintain a balance of color on your face by wearing a bold lipstick color with paired down eyeshadow and foundation. If you go for a bright eyeshadow look, you may wear lipstick in a more neutral color like nude or light pink. If you feel your lips are small and you would like to enhance them, you can try using lipstick that is pearlescent or metallic, as they will add shine and depth to your lips. You may also try lipstick in light colors like pink, peach, or beige so your lips are not overwhelmed by a bright, dark color. Another trick is to use a lip pencil to create a new lip line outside of your natural lip line. Try to go no further than 3mm out. Make sure the line is precise and even. You can then color in your lips with the lip pencil or with lipstick that is the same shade as the lip pencil.
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One-sentence summary --
Go for bold, bright lipstick if you have a darker skin tone. Enhance your lips if they appear small.