Your first day in a new job can be a nerve-racking experience but as long as you remember why the company hired you, you’ve nothing to fear. Here are some handy tips on how to approach your first day:
- Check the route to your workplace the week before. Have your journey planned and leave 30 minutes early just in case.
- Have a good breakfast so you not famished by 11 o’clock.
- Make a good first impression by getting to your workplace early.
- Dress appropriately – whether that be in the required uniform or in a smart office suit / attire
- Bring a book and make notes – people’s names, login on details, your extension number, your email password etc – just so you only have to ask once
- Shake hands firmly when introduced to colleagues, smile and make an effort to remember their names
- Do your homework – find out who you will be working with and what they do
- Keep yourself busy: The first day can go very slowly as you won’t have an established work routine and may often be waiting on people to give you work and/or training. Keep yourself busy during these periods by studying your new company’s systems.
- Turn off your mobile! Don’t make personal phone calls and if you’ve got internet access, only use it to look at the company’s own website.
- Watch, listen and learn. If everyone around you is busy but you’ve nothing to do, watch listen and learn, there is lots of information you can pick up.
- Be confident in your own ability: If you’re nervous, keep reminding yourself that this is your first day, you’ve already got the job and that you are the candidate that was selected