Tips for a Great First Day at Your New Job
10 de August de 2021
10 de August de 2021
Fourteen years for Primary and Secondary Education, four years for an Undergraduate Degree and a couple more for the Master… Twenty years of education should be enough to make you feel confident facing this new challenge: the first day at your new job. But they aren’t. We know this because we’ve all been there; all of us, from the business tycoons to your future colleagues.
Since all those years of training won’t stop you from getting nervous, we’re giving you 6 basic guidelines that will help you be more relaxed on your first day.
Of course that, at first, it’s all happiness when we get the news. We share it with our family and friends and watch them celebrate, which makes it one of the most beautiful moments in our professional career. However, we may get other feelings as the first day starts getting closer. It’s normal to feel nervous or be afraid every time we must face something new or unknown.
“Will I be prepared?”, “What are my colleagues going to be like?”, “What if I don’t know how to do what I’m asked to do?”, “Will someone help me on my first day?” If you can relate to any of these questions, it’s because, just like you, we’ve all experienced a first day at a new job, even your future colleagues. They are very well aware of the fact that you’re nervous. So, anything you do, they can understand. This being said, calm down. Unless you work in a laboratory and on your first day you mix potassium permanganate and glycerol and they have to evacuate the whole building, your colleagues and your bosses will be benevolent with you.
Become Cinderella, be aware of the time. Or, even better, have a little more vision than she did. If you must lose a shoe in order to get there on time, lose that shoe. Bear in mind that punctuality is very important in any job. Regardless of the reason, whether or not it’s your fault, being late on your first day will leave a bad first impression and will show a lack of interest on your side. You must value time, both yours and others’. It's not necessary to arrive 30 minutes in advance; five will do. If it’s a place you’ve never been before, a good advice would be to test the time it takes to commute the day before. In this way, you’ll become familiar with the route and you won’t get lost
If you’re a shy person, maybe it will be a bit harder for you. But try not to isolate yourself in your chair and on your computer. Introduce yourself to the rest of your colleagues. If you’re going to have some coffee, wait and take it with the rest. Meeting people on your first day will make things much easier on the following days — you will be able to count on them for help or to clear any doubt and you can go out with them to grab some drinks after work. Avoid talking about the weather, in this context and in any other, unless you’re on a date with a meteorologist. You can ask them about their job in the company, their experience, the workings of the company, and so on.
I’m sure you do — and quite a few... Maybe in school you were afraid of raising your hand when the teacher asked if anyone had any doubts. But you’re a grown up now (in case you hadn’t noticed). Don’t be left wondering. Ask away, without fear. Evacuate all of your concerns. It’s better to do it in the moment it’s being explained and not after one hour or one week when others could assume you had understood. Ask and take notes. In this way you will remember everything and you won’t have to ask again and again.
On your first day, it’s very important that you listen. You’ve just gotten there. Trying to impose your judgement, even if you think it’s the most adequate, can be a mistake. Your ideas may not be in the same line as the company’s approach. Make sure you know the interest and plans of your new company to perfection before you dare try and change things. Bring ideas, do your bit, take part as long as you have good arguments, but never as an imposition or by being self-righteous. And, last but not least, don’t forget to thank people. If you receive help or advice, be thankful.
The day has come to an end; time to make sure you’ve finished everything you had to finish before leaving. Try not to leave things half done. If you need to stay a bit longer on your first day, do so. Let your colleagues know when you’re leaving, but don’t forget to ask them if there’s anything else you can do before you leave in order to show more interest.
Once you’re out on the streets again, breathe. The first day can be a bit tiresome — there are many new things to assimilate and get in your head. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to it sooner than you think.
Remember: We’ve all been through this. So, everyone will understand it if you’re nervous. Whatever happens, be there on time! Don’t isolate yourself in your computer. Socialize with your colleagues. Don’t be left wondering: ask away! Give them your best smile and show them your willingness and, most importantly, enjoy this day! You’ve earned it!