Starting a new work in a new environment and with new faces, can be nerve wracking. But the changes can also be exciting, especially when you know how to tackle new challenges and learn more skills.
Plan the day
The first and most simple tip, is to make sure to plan the day. To avoid a stressful and frustrating morning, you can plan your outfit, the night before the first working day. It is also a good idea to check the route for your workplace and find out how to get there and how long it takes depending on the traffic. Perhaps you can drive earlier from home, which gives you a little extra time if there are traffic jams and you avoid getting stressed. In this way you are sure to arrive to work in time with a peaceful mindset.
Do not come to work empty-handed
If you haven’t been giving any instructions for the first working day, it is always a good idea to bring your own computer. Even if the company will give you a work computer, you never know if it has been delivered for the first working day. It is also a good idea to bring a book to write down notes and any documents about the company or employee manuals you have received from the company.
Practice how to introduce yourself
One of the most important things to practice for the first working day, is how to introduce yourself. On the first working day, you will meet and talk to your new colleagues, and you will probably be asked a lot of questions. A good work environment between colleagues is very important, therefor it is essential to make a good first impression. With a little preparation, you are ready to answer all the questions your new and curious colleagues ask during the day.
Listen and ask questions
When starting the first working day, it is important to listen and learn from your colleagues. You most likely don’t know everything about the company, the systems, and the processes, which is why you must be humble, instead of having a “I know everything” attitude. Pay extra attention and write important information in your notebook. Ask questions about everything from the system and tools to colleagues’ projects and experiences.
Be yourself
You made it through the recruitment process by being yourself, so why start being a different person now? It is normal to be nervous the first working day, but do not doubt yourself. Remember that they chose you for a reason and you are the right person for the job. Therefor the last tip for the first working day is to be yourself when you talk and interact with your new colleagues. Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.
