The first day at a new job

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The first day at a new job can be overwhelming. There's lots of information to take in, new people to meet, and tasks to complete. But things will get easier as you adjust into your new role, you just need to give it time. So let's break down what your first day on the job might be like and how you can smoothly transition into your new job.

Set a good morning routine

The preparation for your first day should start the night before. Make sure you go to bed at a reasonable time so you get enough sleep. Yawning your way through your first day is not a good look. As well as getting enough sleep, give yourself enough time in the morning to get ready. I get up for work earlier then I need to. But I like having the extra time in the morning because it means I don't have to rush myself when getting ready and then run out the door to make it to work on time. If you have trouble waking up, set an alarm so you don't have to worry about sleeping in.

Be on time

Be punctual, you don't want to be late on your first day. No one remembers the guy that arrives on time. But everyone notices when someone walks in 20 minutes late. Do a practise run if you're unsure of the best way to get to the workplace, how long it will take you to get there, or what the traffic is like during the time you'll normally be traveling to work.

Be ready to learn

When you arrive at work there's going to be a lot of new information for you take in. New people and names to remember, where things are around the workplace, what things do and how to use them, and what you'll be doing. Don't worry if you forget something as it's a lot of new information to take in at once. Take some time to learn everyone's name, what they do, and the way the company does things. It may be different to the way you're used to doing things, so you need to be willing to learn and change.

When asked a question don't act like you know everything, or be afraid to ask follow questions for fear it will make you look like you can't do the job. This will only be the case if you don't try and make an effort to learn. It's better to seek assistance and do it right the first time than make a mistake and have to do the task again. Take notes if it's difficult to remember everything you're told and remember to thank those that help you out.

Get to know your co-workers

Your manager should introduce you to the people you'll be working with but if you see co-workers that you weren't introduced to, make the effort and say hello.

All workplaces have gossip but you don't want to get a reputation as someone who spreads it. Because it's your first day try and avoid office politics as long as you can. Get to know people and judge them based on your interactions, instead of what other people say about them. Don't go overboard and try too hard to fit in or impress your co-workers. You may see them casually joking around or giving each other a hard time, but they know each other well enough to do this. They may not take comments from someone they don't know the same way. Until you get to know them better be respectful and polite towards them.

Familiarise yourself with the job

Your first day may not involve any big task. So take the time to familiarise yourself with the job. It's also a good time get yourself organised and setup a good work routine of what you have to do and when you have to do it. It can be helpful to write this done so you don't forget.

Make a good impression

Over the course of the day you may be tempted to do non work related tasks. Everyone is guilty of doing some personal business at work, whether it's checking Facebook or making a restaurant reservation. But you don't want that to be how you kick off your first day. Show you're a hard worker by avoiding personal business at work for the time being.

Have fun

The final thing you need to remember about your first day, is to enjoy it. It's an exciting time starting a new job, full of new experiences and opportunities. So don't dwell on negative experiences from your previous workplace. If you spend your time complaining about how you hated your previous boss or co-workers, your new boss and co-workers may wonder how long until you start complaining about them.

It's inevitable that your behaviour is going to change as you become comfortable with your new workplace and co-workers. But in the beginning you need to make a good first impression and show that you're going to be a valuable employee. Don't worry about making a perfect first impression. None of us ever do. Just do your best and over time you can show your co-workers you're a valuable member of the team who they'll be happy to have a round.

Let me in the comments below how you felt on your first day at a new job.

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