No matter how much you prepare for your first day at your new job you might still be nervous. We have prepared some extra tips to help you have a great first day.
First impressions
First impressions are really important, your work colleagues will remember their impressions of you on your first day. Of course, be yourself but be mindful of your body language and language used when meeting your boss and colleagues for the first time. Making sure you look presentable and smart will impress your colleagues but your confidence will be boosted as you will feel good about yourself.
Arrive on time
Arriving on time will provide a good impression and show that you are productive and organised. Arrive around 15 minutes before will allow you to prepare anything you need to do before entering the building.
Research about the company
Knowing a little about the company you are working for will be helpful on your first day. This will also impress your employer that you have been productive and taken your own time to educate yourself more about them.
Be ready for questions
Naturally, your colleagues will be intrigued to learn more about you and know where you have previously worked and your role. Maybe preparing yourself with a little pitch to explain your professional background will give your colleagues a great impression of you. This will allow your colleagues to feel more comfortable when talking to you as they will know what to talk to you about.
Sleep well the night before
As it is the first day of your new job, this means you will be taking in lots of new information on how to conduct your role and learning how the business functions. By sleeping well the night before will help you be fully charged for your busy day ahead and give your new employer a 100% of yourself.
Be approachable
Smile and acknowledge others around you, this is important to gain a perception of you and make you feel part of the team. We understand you may be nervous but this should pass after a couple of days.
Observe, listen and ask
Observing how your employer and colleagues work will give you an idea of the expectations within the workplace. Listening will be a crucial skill as you will need to know everything about your role and the business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure because this will help improve your understanding about your responsibilities. Maintaining a balance between talking and listening is also important, such as showing your listening and not interrupting when others are talking.
Put your mobile phone onto silent
On your first day you must be present and have no distractions from family or friends, but make them aware of your new workplace contact number incase of emergencies. Your employer might have policies in place about mobile phones so it is important to check this.
Relax and be yourself
Although you must remain professional, try to relax and be yourself as this will show your employer and colleagues the best qualities in you and see you are confident. By preparing yourself to be as relaxed as possible this will help keep your stress levels down and not feel as anxious. Your stress levels will be reduced meaning that you will be more observant and less likely to make any mistakes.
We wish you the best of luck when starting your new role and hope that the above tips have provided you with enough guidance to be prepared for your first day.
