Every day, people are hired into new jobs, and they want to make the best impression possible on their first day. They worry about what to wear and whether or not it will get them a good reference. Although there are many reasons why you should have a successful first day at your new job, these eight tips can help you get off on the right foot.
1. Dress Properly
You may be tempted to show up in your typical weekend wear, but you should dress for the job you want to get. Dress for success, as they say in the books and newspaper columns – if you’re interviewing for a position at a bank or law firm, it’s better to put on a suit and tie. However, if you’re applying for a more laid-back job like a coffee shop or restaurant, it’s okay to look fashionable without dressing too formally.
2. Get To Work Early
You may end up being late anyway, so you might as well arrive early. It’s the professional thing to do, and the employer will appreciate it. You can show up a few minutes before your scheduled time if you want to impress. Be sure you familiarize yourself beforehand with time tracking procedures or if you need to download a time clock app when punching in and out of work.
Even if you’re the first person there, it’s good to get started looking around and getting familiar with your workplace. There are no lapses in etiquette that you can make if you’re the first to arrive. Therefore, take advantage of this time to surface-scan your workplace and prepare for the events that will take place within the next few hours.
4. Use a Positive Body Language
It’s easy to walk into a workplace with your head held down and your eyes cast downward. Instead, take advantage of the daylight and use it to your advantage by making eye contact with anyone and everyone you happen upon. Smile and show your confidence, but keep in mind that it’s best to keep the body language going in a positive direction from beginning to end.
5. Be Ready for Any Occurrence
Even if you’re the first person there and are greeted by an employee in your own office, it’s best to be ready. You will be ready to handle an event that occurs that wasn’t expected. Go into it with your eyes wide open and prepare yourself for anything with any implied or obvious actions that you could take.
6. Be Attentive and Lay Low
If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that things don’t always go as planned. For example, if you’re a new employee at a coffee shop and they make all the drinks just the way you want them, it’ll make your day very special. On the other hand, if they make them with cream and sugar and call them an “Earl Grey,” it can leave a bitter taste in your mouth for a long time.
During the first day of your new job, you may or may not be asked to perform many things that you’ve never done before. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to ask questions. It shows confidence when you ask for help. It will allow you to learn about the workplace environment in ways that you would never have imagined.
8. Stay Humble If Things Go Well
There will be times when you make a great first impression, and you get lots of praise. However, this can lead to arrogance if it’s not kept in check. Therefore, be humble and don’t brag about anything while the day is still in progress. You’ll have plenty of time to talk about your accomplishments later.
8. Keep Notes
It’s good to keep notes on everything that happens during your first day at a new job. When you think back to the interview process and all of your accomplishments, these notes will come in handy when you need to refer back to them.
9. Ensure You’re Aways In Line With Your Supervisor Or Manager
You may be the first person to arrive in your position, but you’ll eventually meet your supervisor or manager. If she’s engaged in conversation with someone else at that time, keep quiet. Don’t prompt them for questions or comments until that person is finished with their conversation.
Closing Thoughts
Conclusively, the first day at a new job is never easy for new employees. However, these eight tips should help make your first day a success, leading to more enjoyable weeks in the future.
