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’re 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 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 you are the candidate that was selected