You interviewed multiple companies and finally started at that new job and you’re excited for the journey. In this article Pearson & Partners supplies you with some tips how to nail that first day at work.
First of all, we understand that your first day at work can be a bit stressful because you want to make that stunning impression you gave at your interviews. Just remember a good employer also understand that you’re not going to solve all their problems your very first months they just want to see that proactive attitude that can eventually solve their problems.
Here are some do’s and don’ts on that first workday. Some may seem quite simple but that doesn’t mean they are not important.
Do’s
- Arrive early, study the route
- Ask and prepare questions, show interest in your new role and prepare questions beforehand.
- Study the company, check if they’ve just acquired new customers, study their tools and tech stack or check if they just launched new features etc.
- Pack your back and lay out your wardrobe the day before, dress for the position, make sure you’ve everything your need for the job is laid out (Laptop, notebook, pen etc.) So, you don’t stress out before leaving the house.
- Get to know your colleagues, just try to meet everyone in a casual or business setting. Meet the team and managers so you get a feel of the environment.
- Learn the language of the organization.
- Turn off your cell phone.
- Get a feel of the office, check what the coffee breaks are, where the bathroom room is and where you can find everything so you’re independent.
- Be grateful, thank everyone who wants to help you, so they understand that you’re grateful with them making time for you.
- Bring something sweet, almost everyone has a sweet tooth give a little gesture to your team that you also love the first day at work and you want to make a good impression.
- Soak in the knowledge, be a fly on the wall and just soak in all the knowledge. You just started and you want to get a feel of the company and their problems.
Don’ts
- Don’t be a know it all, you just started at the company you cannot be the one that fixes everything on the first day. Get a feel of the place first.
- Don’t disrespect someone in the company, even though you’re brought in as a senior or lead don’t be rude to someone that maybe works the desk. They can be just as important to the company.
- Don’t just sit there doing nothing, even though some first days can be less challenging than you would like it to be, or the managers has less time for you. Show a proactive spirit and look if you can maybe shadow someone.
- Don’t make excuses, just try to listen to the people that try to help you.
- Don’t spend all your time on your cellphone of at the coffee machine, be focused and try to get a feel of the place.
- Don’t speak ill of your previous company, just try to stay positive.
- Don’t be judgmental, just look if there is something new to learn.
Not everything would apply to you but just make sure you’re prepared for the first day and give that positive first impression. First impression lasts and it’s always good to have a head start instead of starting from behind.
Enjoy your first day/week and bring that positive energy you felt during the interviews.
