First day at work is indeed important for your image building and for your comfort later. If it is your first job or not, you are about to have a new experience and improve your professional life. You are excited to start work, live a new challenge and leave a good impression. Here are the basic tips you better take into consideration at your first day.
1- Arrive on time if not earlier:
It is your first day and it is very important to show your discipline, If you know it will take 30 minutes to workplace make it 45 and leave to work 15 minutes earlier, it will reflect on your image and how efficient you are if you arrive on time.
2- Be mentally prepared:
Be mentally ready for the work world with realistic expectations, do not let any external matters bother you on that day, if you have personal problems at home or with a friend or any other type of problems, don’t think about it, only focus on what you want to do and prove today.
3- Dress Formal:
Whether your job requires a dress code or not, it is always important to dress properly and avoid messy looks. You should look neat and professional to give a serious impression.
4- Bring all the things required from you:
Get all required documents and forms of you for the new job, that includes photos, certificates or any other requested documents.
5- Know who to report to:
Make sure you know who to report to at work on your first day, ask that question as early as possible to avoid awkward situations in the beginning of your new job experience, communicate with your manager and take notes.
6- Put your cell phone on silent:
It is very important to put your phone on silent, you need to give your full attention to work specially at your first day and not to disturb others.
7- Change your mindset or attitude:
If you have any sluggish or inefficient background from your previous job or even when you were a student, do not bring it with you. At work, you may face highly-stressed situations you are expected to be on your toes and perform at all times. So learn how to change your attitude towards many things.
8- Smile but not too much:
Do not frown, smile to the person seated next to you, If that person does not smile back do not worry. Likewise, do not be too friendly at your first day because you may annoy people who don’t know you yet, be normal and keep a little smile on your face and that will put you in a good mental status.
9- Prepare and ask questions:
It is better to have a background about the company you are joining, even before your first interview, read about it and do your homework before you get involved. If you don’t know ask, it is fine to ask questions and help yourself understand the nature of your company and your job.
10- Listen and observe:
Listen and observe things around you. This is a prime opportunity to hear about the goals your boss and others have for the company, the department, and top projects. It’s your chance to understand the big picture, as well as the priorities, try to get a broad view for everything.
11- Stick to small talks:
Don’t be the one talking too much, you can be friendly and sociable with little talks, your first day needs observation more than talking and telling stories.
12- Don’t try too hard:
Don’t try too hard to impress others, no need to show off to be famous or popular at your first day, doing that might give an opposite impression about you. At work, it is always better to be a hard worker and let that speaks for you.
13- Don’t turn down lunch:
If you’re offered to go have lunch with your new boss and co-workers, go. It is important to show that you’re ready to mingle with your new team.
14- Talk to peers:
One of the most invaluable insights you can get early on is how the department operates from the perspective of your peers. If you establish that you’re friendly and approachable, you will start on the right foot in establishing trust.
15- Relax, breathe and take it easy:
Your first day is only the beginning, be calm, cool and relax. The first day is your opportunity to love your work and love what you are going to do, so be positive and enjoy it.
Good luck 🙂