Post Menu and Details.
- Tips for Your First Day
- Research
- Taxes
- What to Wear
- On the Day
- Lunchtime
- When the Day Ends
- Things you should Not Do on your First Day
- Complaining about your Previous Boss or Coworkers is not a good idea
- Dress Professionally
- Do not yawn or look at the clock
- Try not to appear overfamiliar or show off
- Avoid social media and using your phone
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Reading time: ~4 minutes
So you’ve landed your dream role or at least a good job that can take you there. It’s natural to be nervous about your first day, but there are plenty of ways that you can prepare.
Why is it important to prepare? Well, first impressions last!
There is plenty of evidence out there that people make their minds up quickly, sometimes at barely a glance. So, how do you win over your new coworkers and boss on the first day?
Tips for Your First Day
First, let’s address what you can do in advance of your first day to ease your nerves.
Research
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Find out as much as you can about the company
You have Google at your disposal – have reviews been left about the company? Use Glassdoor to see what other employees think.
How does the company perform? Have they been in the news recently?
If you know someone that works there, ask them what it’s like, and what people talk about in the office.
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Learn about your new role
Your hiring manager or HR rep will be delighted if you ask questions in advance. A short email with four or five questions will show them that they’ve chosen the right person for the role.
Taxes
When you start a new job, your employer will present you with new tax forms, which may seem daunting. It’s good to read these in advance and have all the information you need ready.
Your human resources department will look favorably on you for this!
What to Wear
If you’re strong and confident and don’t care what you wear, that’s great, but make sure it’s suitable. It’s better to be a little conservative on your first day so that your outfit isn’t the main talking point.
If you know it’s a casual environment, don’t wear a suit. On the other hand, don’t wear fuchsia tights to a long-established law firm.
On the Day
When the day arrives:
- Get up early, even if you think you’ll get ready fast.
- Leave an extra 20 minutes for transport issues such as traffic or train delays
If you’ve managed to plan your route in advance, even better.
- Turn off your phone before you enter the office
You don’t need it. Don’t take it out unless asked to by your supervisor, or if you need it for a task.
- Take notes
Use a notebook. There’s going to be a lot to take in and it shows that you’re eager to catch everything.
- Find some time in the day to ask your direct senior any questions that you have.
Don’t bombard them with questions all day, just choose a time when they look like they aren’t too busy.
- Smile
Smile at everyone that passes and say hello. You never know who you’ll meet, and it may be your new work buddy.
Lunchtime
Don’t make plans with anyone else for lunch on your first day. Some employers like to bring their new employees out, or you may hit the canteen with new colleagues.
If no one asks you to lunch, then don’t be shy and ask if you can join a table. Alternatively, ask where people get lunch from, and you might receive an invitation.
When the Day Ends
Even if you’ve found it quite challenging, don’t dash out the door as soon as the clock turns 5.30 pm. Take some notes about what you’ve learned, and what you want to do tomorrow.
Write down people’s names, so you’ll remember who you met. You may not see Betty from IT for a few weeks, and it might slip out of your mind.
Finish any forms that HR has asked you to, and even drop them over if it’s nearby.
If you follow all these steps, you’re bound to make a good impression on your coworkers and boss. I look forward to an easier time from here on.
Things you should Not Do on your First Day
Above, we have mentioned things you should do on your first day at a new job; however, what you should NOT do is equally important.
Complaining about your Previous Boss or Coworkers is not a good idea
Talking about your coworkers or boss, present or past, is a big no-no and could result in retaliation. If you gossip with someone, they are likely to gossip about you too. Besides, gossiping makes you appear untrustworthy and petty.
Dress Professionally
It may be common knowledge that “Appearance matters,” but what you don’t know is that our brain judges the likeability and trustworthiness of someone within milliseconds of meeting them. Make the most of your first impression since you won’t get another chance like this. Don’t let the opportunity slip away.
Do not yawn or look at the clock
You will probably feel bored some days and would like to leave work, but don’t show that, especially on day one! Your boss and coworkers should be aware of your commitment to the company from the start. Otherwise, you may not be able to advance past probation. Being impatient to leave sends negative signals, especially as a new employee. Your boss wants to see that you’re invested.
Try not to appear overfamiliar or show off
If you feel the need to “prove” your expertise or value to an organization, you might rush through work training or undertake unnecessary tasks before you’re ready. Being immature in this way could irritate your colleagues and boss. Eventually, your hard work and dedication will be recognized by both. If you are patient and humble, your coworkers and boss will be more accepting.
Avoid social media and using your phone
You will give the impression that you are more interested in your personal life than what’s happening around you if you spend time on social media or on your phone. In addition to being unprofessional, you will find it hard to concentrate on your work.
Thank you for reading!