Starting your first day in a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. After all, you want to make a good impression and set the tone for the rest of your time there.
So, to help you prepare, we have gathered some of the best tips to help you have a great first day on the job.
Get there early
Plan out your route and travel beforehand so you know how long it takes. This will take the stress out of it and will ensure you are not late. Aim to arrive a little earlier than you need to be you don’t have to go into the place of work until the time you are required. You can use the time to gather yourself together, have a drink and just take a breather before the day starts.
Dress to impress
Wear something comfortable and appropriate to the position. If you are unsure of the dress code, you can call ahead and ask or check out the company’s website and social channels – these should give you a good idea of the type of style the company go for. If you are still unclear stick to the formal attire, you chose for the interview. Be sure to wear something that you feel confident in as this will help you to keep those nerves at bay.
Make a good first impression
Try not to be shy – introduce yourself to as many people as you can. Talk to as many people as you can as they will offer you the most knowledge of how the company operates. It’s great to show how friendly and approachable you are from day one, this will help you establish a strong bond with your colleagues going forward.
Get to know your co-workers
If possible, try to befriend at least one of your co-workers. Offer them any help you can, this will help you get up to speed faster. Starting a new role can be stressful so knowing you have at least one familiar face that you can talk to will help you to feel more comfortable and at home quicker. Often at least one colleague will invite you to lunch or buddy up with you, after all, they were new once too and they remember how hard it is to be the new person. Accept that lunch invite and mingle as much as you can.
Ask lots of questions
When you start a new job, it can quickly feel like you are drowning under a mountain of information. To help with this overwhelm be sure to ask lots of questions. You are brand new, and no one will expect you to remember everything straight away. It’s better to ask and get the correct information so you can do things the correct way from the beginning. It will also help you to learn faster. It can seem daunting asking questions when everyone else seems so busy and you may feel like you are being bothersome but remember they know you are new and need to learn. Most will be only too happy to help and it’s a lot less work to answer your questions than to fix your mistakes if you try to go it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Stay positive and motivated
In the early days no one knows you yet, they can’t evaluate your work skills or efficiency, but they will assess your attitude and willingness to try. Remain upbeat and show off your motivated work ethic as this is the type of person everyone wants to work with.
Keep a good attitude
It can be so easy to focus on the negatives after your first day in a new job, you think about what didn’t go so well but try not to be so hard on yourself. Remember that you have done your best and with time you will accomplish much more.
Have fun!
Most importantly try to enjoy yourself. This is a new beginning and it will hopefully lead you on a very exciting career led journey.