Congratulations—you landed the remote job! But now comes the tricky part: making a great first impression while working from your bedroom in sweatpants. Here's your day-by-day guide to crushing your first week remotely.
Before Day 1: Pre-Game Setup
Weekend Before You Start
- Test ALL technology - Video, audio, internet speed (speedtest.net)
- Download required apps - Slack, Zoom, whatever they mentioned
- Set up dedicated workspace - Even just a corner of a room
- Buy any missing equipment - Headset, second monitor, desk lamp
- Plan your outfit - Dress like you're going to the office (at least top half!)
- Get a haircut - You'll be on video calls
- Set sleep schedule - Start waking up at work time now
Day 1: Make Them Remember You (In a Good Way)
Morning Routine
Wake Up Early
Yes, even though you work from home. Shower, eat breakfast, get dressed. Treat it like a real job—because it is.
Log In Early
Start 15 minutes before your official time. Shows enthusiasm. Test your video/audio one more time.
Introduce Yourself (Do This Right!)
When they say "introduce yourself," don't just say "I'm excited to be here." Use this template:
"Hi everyone! I'm [Name], I'm joining as [role]. I'm coming from [previous experience], and I'm excited to learn from this team. Outside work, I [hobby]. My timezone is [timezone], usually online 9-5 [your time]. Looking forward to working with you all!"
Why this works: Shows personality, sets timezone expectations, invites conversation.
Take Notes on EVERYTHING
Create a Google Doc called "First Week Notes." Write down:
- Everyone's name & role
- Key processes mentioned
- Tools & logins you need
- Questions to ask later (don't interrupt!)
Lunch Break (Actually Take It)
Step away from computer. Eat real food. Don't skip this—you need energy for the afternoon.
Complete All Setup Tasks
Finish whatever onboarding they assigned. If you finish early, DON'T disappear. Message your manager: "Finished [task], what should I work on next?"
Send Your First Daily Update
Even if they didn't ask for one. Slack your manager:
"End-of-day update: Completed onboarding modules, set up Slack/email, reviewed [document]. Tomorrow I'm planning to [tasks]. Any other priorities I should know about?"
Why: Shows you're proactive and need minimal hand-holding.
Days 2-3: Start Contributing (Small Wins)
👀 Over-Communicate Your Availability
When you start work: "Good morning! Online for the day 🟢"
When you leave for lunch: "Taking lunch, back in 30"
When you're done: "Signing off for the day, see you tomorrow!"
Why: Remote = they can't see you. Visibility = trust.
🙋 Ask Questions (The Right Way)
❌ "How do I do this?"
✅ "I'm trying to do [X]. I've already checked [Y] and tried [Z]. Should I try [A] or [B]?"
Shows: You tried to figure it out first.
📝 Document What You Learn
If someone teaches you something, write it down. Next time someone asks, you can help them. Managers love this.
💬 Be Visible in Slack
React to messages with emojis, respond to team chats, share wins. Don't just lurk silently.
Days 4-5: Prove You're a Keeper
Things That Make New Remote Workers Look Good
Finish Tasks Ahead of Schedule
If something takes 2 hours and they gave you 4 hours, finish in 2 and ask for more work. Speed impresses.
Spot Something They Missed
"Hey, I noticed [X] in the documentation. Should it say [Y]?" Shows attention to detail.
Help Another New Person
If someone else starts after you, help them. Managers notice team players.
Learn Names Fast
Use people's names when you message them. "Thanks Sarah!" feels better than "Thanks!"
Respond Quickly
When someone messages you, respond within 15 minutes. Even if it's just "Saw this, will get back to you by [time]"
What NOT to Do (Common First-Week Mistakes)
❌ Going Silent
The mistake: You're working, but not responding to messages because you're focused.
Why it's bad: People think you're not actually working.
Fix: Check Slack every 30 minutes. Quick responses > perfect work.
❌ Poor Video Setup
The mistake: Messy background, dark lighting, bad camera angle.
Why it's bad: Looks unprofessional, hard to see you.
Fix: Face a window, clean background, camera at eye level.
❌ "Just Checking In" Too Much
The mistake: Asking "Did you see my message?" 30 minutes later.
Why it's bad: Annoying, shows impatience.
Fix: Wait 4 hours before follow-up. They're busy too.
❌ Multi-tasking on Video Calls
The mistake: Checking email, looking at phone during meetings.
Why it's bad: It's obvious. People can tell.
Fix: Close other tabs, take notes on paper, look engaged.
First Week Checklist
By End of Week 1, You Should Have:
- ✅ All logins & tools set up
- ✅ Met your direct manager 1-on-1
- ✅ Learned everyone's name on your team
- ✅ Completed all onboarding training
- ✅ Asked at least 10 good questions
- ✅ Finished your first real task
- ✅ Sent daily updates to manager
- ✅ Connected with 2-3 teammates personally
- ✅ Set up regular check-in schedule with manager
- ✅ Made your manager think "good hire"
Week 1 Scripts You Can Copy
When You Don't Understand Something
"I want to make sure I understand this correctly. When you say [X], do you mean [Y]? Just want to clarify before I start."
When You Need More Work
"I've completed [task]. I have capacity to take on more—what should I prioritize next?"
When You Made a Mistake
"I made an error on [X]. Here's what happened, here's how I'm fixing it, and here's what I'll do differently next time to prevent it."
Setting Up 1-on-1 with Manager
"Could we set up a regular 30-minute 1-on-1? Weekly or biweekly works for me. I want to make sure I'm meeting your expectations and get feedback on my work."
Friday End-of-Week Message
"End of Week 1! This week I: [3 things you accomplished]. Next week I'm focused on: [2-3 goals]. Really enjoying the team so far—thanks for the warm welcome!"
Your Confidence Builders
If you're feeling nervous, remember:
- ✨ They hired you—they already think you can do this
- ✨ Everyone is nervous their first week (even experienced people)
- ✨ Asking questions makes you look smart, not dumb
- ✨ It's okay to not know everything on Day 1
- ✨ Most companies expect 30-90 days to fully ramp up
- ✨ Your manager wants you to succeed (your success = their success)
Weekend After Week 1
Take a Real Break
Step away from your computer. You survived Week 1! Celebrate it.
But Also Reflect
- What went well this week?
- What do I need to improve?
- What questions do I still have?
- Who should I connect with next week?
Prep for Week 2
Week 2 is when you start actually contributing. The honeymoon is over, time to prove yourself. But you've got this!
Looking for More Remote Work Guides?
Check out our complete library of remote work resources, from finding jobs to getting promoted.
Browse All Resources →found this helpful? share it:
💬 Join the Discussion
Share your thoughts, ask questions, or connect with other readers