The first day of your job is the most memorable and nerve-wracking day of your career. From comprehending what to wear, reaching your office on time, to giving about a thousand introductions to people, all the while worrying about making a good first impression on your coworkers and your boss – it can all get too overwhelming. But as stressed as your first day can be, don’t let it get to you. Now is the time to stay optimistic and excited to make a strong first impression while you meet people. Keeping this thought in mind, here is a list of essential tips for your first day at work to help you start things off on the right foot.
Dress to impress
This is a given, but dressing the part is highly crucial for your first day. When deciding what to wear on your first day, following the company’s dress code is the right call. You could also ask the HR representative about the company’s dress code. This is generally done at the time of negotiating salary and other terms and benefits of your new job,
If that is something you have forgotten to do, you can go and check out the company’s social media handle to get some idea about how people dress up. It can give you the answer about if the company has a business casual dress code or a strict formal environment. In case you still have doubts, always go for a formal look. It is better to be dressy than casual in the workplace.
Arrive Early
One of the best tips for your first day at work is to plan your commute well so that you are not late on your first day. Nothing will set a bad impression faster than being late on your first day. Map out the best and fastest route to your workplace in advance to avoid being embarrassed on your first day.
Besides showing up early is better than being late. Even if it means arriving a few minutes early. Therefore, planning your first day is very essential.
Smile and be professional
It is said that a smile goes a long way. When you start working at a new office, it is important to be mindful and aware of social cues with your coworkers. Maintaining a friendly demeanor and introducing yourself to those you have not met before will help in setting a good impression and get you noticed.
But do not forget to keep things professional. Keep the conversations work-related or small talk only. And notice how the work environment of the office is. Be friendly and approachable on the basis of the environment.
Ask questions
Do not forget to brief yourself thoroughly about the company you are joining. Listen intently during the orientation process and do not hesitate to ask questions. Nobody is expecting you to have a perfect understanding of everything but they do expect honesty.
Also, you can ask questions about what your managers or the company’s expectations are from you as a new joiner. It will make you come across as an eager to learn and work person, which is never a bad thing.
Be ready for anything
Another one of the significant tips for your first day at work is to be prepared for anything and everything. Some managers like to throw their new employees into the deep end to test them. Be ready to work and show off your skills. But if you don’t get it right, don’t hesitate from asking for help from the colleagues or employers.
On the contrary, some workplaces only involve the new employees in a bunch of orientation stuff and then leave them alone to explore for the rest of the day. Hence, just prepare yourself for whatever might come your way.
Take that lunch offer
Chances are if you are one of the lucky ones, you will get a lunch invite from your manager or a coworker. Do not turn it down. Lunch is the perfect opportunity to mingle with the team and prove that you will be a good fit here, establishing trust of the employers.
It is more of a casual set up so it will give you a chance to learn about how the office really works and about the people you are working with. However, if the conversation turns into office gossips, do not engage.
Don’t try too hard
Make a special note of this tip for your first day; do not try too hard! Do not waste your energy in impressing every single person you meet, you are already hired. Don’t let the urge to impress take your attention away from what is important.
You have to allow yourself time to get to know people and build connections over time. There is no need to spend time worrying about every person you pass by. This will only exhibit a discomforting body language.
Get to know your immediate coworkers
You will come across many people at work but there will be one team member that you will have to work with daily. Make an extra effort to get to know that person. This way you will know exactly what they do along with what you are supposed to do.
Besides, starting off on the right foot will only help your professional relationship. You can thrive in the future with an open mind.
Project High Energy
Your boss and co workers will observe you more during your initial days at work. Remember to keep your spirits high as this is the chance to show people your work ethics. Keep a keen eye on the details and the desire to learn as much as you can about your job role.
Ask questions until you are clear and sure of what you are supposed to do. Usually, in most companies, there is a significant training period but it doesn’t hurt to begin your learning process on your own.
Leave with a good attitude
Last, but definitely not least of the tips for your first day at a new job, is to leave the office with a good attitude. Take a moment to analyze your day, look at the highs and lows. Count your wins, even the small ones.
But don’t be too hard on yourself if your day didn’t go as flawlessly as you expected. If you try to accomplish too much at once it can be quite overwhelming. Just remember that there is always tomorrow. You were successful in landing the job, you will deal with this too.
The first day of your job should be more exciting than scary. Just remember to take every task as an opportunity to learn. Go in prepared with a plan and you will do great.