The first day of a new job is likely something you’ve been thinking about for a very long time. And if you have successfully gone through a long recruitment process, the first day at the new job is a big deal.
So how do you make sure that the first day runs smoothly? It’s imperative you make a great impression, especially if you’re on probation. A slip-up or two could not only put your prospects at the company at risk, but it could even leave you out of favor with your new team and managers. It only takes a few to make a first impression, but science tells us what people think about you when they first meet you can last a lot longer than that.
The good news is that we have some handy and easy-to-apply tips that can help you absolutely knock your first day out of the park and into a wonderful new chapter of your career:
Dress to impress... again
Your job interview is not the only place you need to dress to impress. In fact, your first day at a new job is an important time to set the precedent for how you’ll appear moving forward. While your style may change a little as you get a sense of the workplace dress code, to be safe on the first day of work, always opt for channeling your job interview outfit. If you need some tips on what to wear on your first day, check out our interview dress code tips for men and women.
Turn up on time
If there’s one thing that is sure to cause you a lot of stress on your first day, it’s running late for work, as it might set you off-kilter for the whole day and it will not look good to your boss or colleagues. For this reason, you need to go the extra mile and ensure this doesn’t happen. Set multiple alarms, get a good night's sleep the night before, and travel the route to work in advance of the big day so you know how long it takes (do this at the heaviest times of traffic to get an idea of how long delays could be) so that you have taken control of your punctuality.
Remember that you deserve to be there
Imposter syndrome is extremely common when you start a new job, especially among younger people, as you don’t know what you’re doing yet whilst everyone else seems so professional. Don’t worry, this is completely natural. However, please be assured that you do deserve to be there, and you were hired because the employer saw some fantastic qualities in you. You might not know everything right now, but that’s expected. In time you’ll be just as qualified, able, and impressive as everybody else.
Practice good body language with every new person you meet
The positive body language you practiced during your job interview is so important on your first day at work as well, because it continues to portray you as friendly, confident, and capable. It’s not about being fake and hiding who you are, but signaling your best self to others with the way you move and position your body. This article is a great starting point to learn more, especially when it comes to how body language not only changes how others see you, but how you see yourself.
Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask many questions during your first day. This is the time to learn and to make mistakes, not the time to try and look perfect and like you know what you’re doing. Show the will to learn, be polite and be interested - this will not only ensure that your new colleagues and managers know you’re enthusiastic, but it will also help you get to grips with the job requirements quicker. It is also a good idea to get to know your colleagues better and to know the unwritten rules within the new workplace. This is your chance to ask questions you might not necessarily ask your manager - just remember to keep it polite and non-political, otherwise, you will fall into the trap of gossip and unprofessionalism.
Go above and beyond
Show your initiative and impress everybody in your new job by doing more than your job expects of you, staying positive, and being a team player from the very beginning. It is about seeing what needs to be done and doing it without being asked. This could be something as small as getting somebody a cup of coffee, and as big as suggesting a new project or campaign idea you’re willing to do yourself. The only caveat to this is that you should do it within your remit and avoid stepping on any toes otherwise it could backfire, and you may end up looking arrogant.
Don’t get involved in any workplace gossip
One of the worst things that you can do when you start a new job is get involved in workplace gossip, as you could easily upset somebody and make a very bad first impression of yourself. Granted, it can be tricky to avoid, as there’s likely to be at least someone who’ll approach you to tell you about all the shortcomings of the company, or even to badmouth different staff members. You might even be around when conflicts are being discussed, so you need to do is keep out of it and give everyone the same warm, courteous greeting whilst you get an idea of the office politics.
So, there you have it! The tips and information above will help you make the first day at work the first of many great days to come. With the right preparation and effort, it can truly represent the start of a fantastic new career path full of opportunities, professional development, and the chance to excel in your industry.
