You read the job description, applied for the job, went for the job interview, and now, you are about to start your first day at a new workplace.
Excited? Sure, nervous? Obviously.
But no matter what emotion you are feeling right now, you have to make sure that you are prepared for starting a new job so that you can approach it in a calm and rational manner and enjoy your first day, and hopefully, the rest of the time after that.
In today’s article, we will discuss some tips on how to prepare for a new job, and what may happen in your first few weeks.
You want to make a great impression and that is understandable.
Getting into a new company culture with a new boss and co-workers is going to be a bit daunting, but the hard bit is over.
You got the job successfully and you are now about to be a team member, so don’t forget that you have earned this, and it was meant to be, maybe you will miss your previous job, maybe you won’t, but that’s in the past now, and it is time to look towards the future.
Preparing For Your First Day
Before you can think about your first week there, you need to plan for your initial first day, the day that will set the tone for your week, and how you will look in the eyes of others as a new employee.
Here are some tips on how you can prepare yourself before you step through those doors so you can feel confident and make some good first impressions.
Don’t Be Full On
You probably think you should prove yourself straight out of the gate, this can be especially true if this is your first job and you want to start off on the right foot.
However, trying to crush all your goals and meet every single requirement as soon as you are there is going to be pretty hard.
There Is So Much To Do
You have to learn a new system, get acquainted with the employee handbook, understand the office culture, and connect with your new colleagues. All of that is quite intense to do, so you will tire yourself out if you try and do too much all at once.
It doesn’t matter if you are working in the same industry and have the knowledge, a first day at a new job is going to disrupt your routine, and they may do things differently, so take a step back and just listen.
Plan a Solid Commute
It wouldn’t look good to turn up late for your new job. Sometimes things happen like crashes, delays, or car trouble, and that can be extra stressful on your first day.
So, it would be best to plan out your commute efficiently before starting a new job.
How Should You Do It?
This means, driving your commute before your start date so you can see how long it takes you, looking at alternative routes just in case (same if you rely on trains/buses), looking for a parking spot, and leaving earlier than you would do.
When you start with a new team, you want them to see you as someone who is efficient and cares about their job.
Pick Your Outfit Carefully
Does your new workplace have a dress code? If so, then on your to-do list you will need to ensure that you have all the right clothes for the office so that you look professional and ready to take on the day.
Check your company manual to make sure you are meeting the right rules set out to make a good impression.
It Sets The Tone
Your clothing says a lot about who you are, and if you can style your outfit into something that is comfortable but professional, you will have found the sweet spot.
Think about how long you’ll be sitting down and what you will be doing, you don’t want to wear clothes that are too tight or cut into you.
All new employees will feel like they are being stared at when they walk through the door, so give them something to stare at – a professional with great taste.
Arrive Early
Senior leadership will take note of you arriving early on your first day, in fact, if you keep arriving early then this will show them that you are ready and willing to take on the day.
They notice people who take initiative, so you want to set the tone from your first day onwards.
Arriving early and setting up will get you started for the rest of the day so you won’t have to rush, this gives you time to do anything extra that you might want to check on, and keep you going at a steady pace.
Check Out Your Co-Workers Online
Everyone is a little curious about who they are going to be working with and for, so if your new job has a Facebook group that you are invited into before you start, then you can browse your new colleagues and see what they are like.
This can also help you learn the names of the people you will be working with.
Find Out Who You Are Working With
Your first day is filled with names and faces and loads of information, so when you have some time alone at home, check out their names and see what they are like.
It will help you the next time you are in the office so you won’t look silly blanking on their names.
Research The Company
You can’t exist nowadays without some sort of footprint online, it would be a good idea to check out the company and its background before starting.
It Can Help You Understand The Company
Hopefully, you have already done this before you said yes to the job offer, but if you haven’t and you want to see what they are like as well as a glimpse of what your work life will be like, then take the time to do some background on them.
Think of Things to Talk About
Talking to someone for the first time can be awkward, but talking to multiple people for the first time can be even more awkward, so it would be good to have a think about some topics to discuss when you are in the ‘getting to know you’ part of your work schedule.
Prepare Yourself
They are going to ask you about yourself, maybe ask questions about your last job, and just generally want to know what the new kid is all about, so brace yourself.
Even if you don’t like talking much and you would rather be left alone, the questions are going to be coming at you.
Use a Real-Life Notebook For Notes
On your first day, you will be given a lot of information, and the bulk of that information is training.
Your new role may be pretty full-on, this is why an actual notebook would be good for your first day, you don’t want to miss out on anything, and if you feel stuck then you can always refer to your notebook without sitting there in quiet anxiety.
Take in Your Surroundings
Here you are on your first day, this is intense and completely new, no matter how lovely people are, your first day is going to be a lot, because of this, take in where you are and just let it wash over you.
A good work environment is incredibly important, so you want to make sure that this is the type for you, getting to know your surroundings can help with that.
Walk around the office, maybe the outside area too, and see what it is like. Settle into your new space and have a friendly smile on your face whenever someone comes to your desk, even if you feel scared, show them that you are happy to see them.
Keep Your Lunch Open
On your first day, you don’t know if one of your colleagues may ask you to come out to lunch with some of the other workers, or if they want to sit with you in the lunchroom to get to know you more.
Don’t make any plans on your first day or your first week, as they might just ask you. It would be nice to be available just in case because it could come across as rude if you say no and sit by yourself or say you have other plans and not follow up with another day you can do it.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these tips have been able to help you navigate your first day and your first week at your new job.
It is always going to be nerve-wracking, with new surroundings, new clients, a new employer, and just new everything.
Take a moment as well as a deep breath, and understand that it is this way for everyone, and you will make a good impression on your new co-workers as you are doing your best.
