Your first day on the job is crucial, as it sets the tone for the rest of your career. Many of the skills you’ll need to do your work properly will be taught to you on your first day. For example, on your first day, you’ll visit your workspace for the first time, discover your specific day-to-day workflow and routine, meet your coworkers, become familiar with different regions of your office or building, and much more.
Your first day at work sets the tone for the rest of your career, and it’s true that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
You may have been looking for a new job for weeks or months before finding one that suits you and your passions, so make the most of the chance you have now to further your career. This means you should put forth all effort to prepare for your first day of work. Continue reading for some tips on how to make your first day at work a good one.
Dress Well
Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately, according to the company’s dress code. Wearing a dress shirt and tie or a pantsuit with oxfords, flats, or sensible heels is a good option. You can change your outfit selection later if everyone around you is dressed more casually. If it feels suitable, you can also remove your tie or jacket later in the day.
Plan Your Commute in Advance
On your first day of work, you may not know how long your commute will take. Timing will vary if you drive or take public transportation. To travel to a location on the same side of town, you should leave at least 15 minutes earlier than usual. Rush hour traffic may lengthen your commute compared to traveling to the same location at a different time of day. Therefore, arriving early to work is preferable to arriving late. If you arrive more than a few minutes early, you can use the extra time to prepare for the day.
Carefully Review All Onboarding and Orientation Materials
On their first day of work, most people need to study employment contracts and sign documents such as tax filings. Carefully examine any paperwork you get to learn about your new employer’s health insurance plans, retirement plans, vacation policy, and other benefits. Part of this information may be given to you on your first day, and you may need to read some of it at home. Save these papers so you can go over them again if necessary.
Ask Questions
You have a lot to learn. Asking questions now will save you time and money in the long run. For example, you may need to know which activities you should prioritize or how often your boss prefers to be updated. Being inquisitive shows that you want to succeed in your new position. Don’t be scared of being rejected when asking questions – it’s better to ask them now rather than later.
Be Approachable
Smile and make an effort to meet as many of your new coworkers as possible. Use your interpersonal skills and start conversations during breaks by inquiring about the best nearby restaurants or coffee shops, as well as people’s weekend plans. Making friends will help your coworkers see you as a valuable team member. A good friend may also assist you in furthering your job later down the line.
Come Up With an Elevator Pitch
If they ask, give your coworkers an overview of your work background and your current position. Tell them about your previous job, if you have an interesting education background (for example, if you went to a coding bootcamp), and what you’ll be doing in your new one. You should also be prepared to discuss why you are switching jobs.
Stay Confident
Most companies will forgive you if you make a few minor errors during your first day on the job. The need to make a good first impression might be overwhelming, but keep in mind that the most important thing is to learn how to execute a great job. Take some long, deep breaths and focus on being present if you start to feel apprehensive or stressed. Think about a serene, peaceful setting, such as a lovely beach. If you make a mistake, realize that you’ll have another chance tomorrow.
Conclusion
While these tips may seem general, they are often the most overlooked factors. Hence, many employees end up hating their first day at work and begin considering a career switch the very next day. Don’t get yourself wrapped up in those thoughts too soon. Relax, stay confident, and work your way into fitting in. Take into consideration the tips we have mentioned today so that you can make the most of your first day at work.
