Congratulations, you got the job! Perhaps you’re
filled with nervous excitement as you plan for your first day and imagine what
it’ll be like in your new position. Perhaps your new employer has a formal new
employee orientation or maybe you’ll just be thrown into it.
Regardless, there are some things you can do on your
first day to set the tone for your new work experience and to ensure that you
get off on the right foot.
In addition to planning what to wear on that first
day, consider how you might fit the following into your first day plans.
Get organized. There is no better time to figure out
the best system of organization for your work style. By day two you might
already find things to be a chaotic mess and struggle to catch up. Talk with
your supervisor and co-workers about the methods they use to keep things organized
and under control and begin to implement your own system immediately.
Eat lunch with others. Sure, you might need some time
alone to catch your breath and refocus your energies but do that over a short
break. Do not eat lunch by yourself. If no one invites you to join them, take
the initiative and extend the invitation to your colleagues. You’ll feel more
comfortable on the job the quicker you get to know the people you work closely
with every day.
Familiarize yourself with the layout of the building.
Take a few minutes to get the lay of the land. Some companies will take new
employees on a tour of the workspace and even if you get this tour, take some
time to wander around on your own. You’ll become more easily oriented when you
look around at your own pace and stop to situate yourself. Even if you work in
a small office you’ll want to know where the kitchenette and rest rooms are
located.
Meet the person in charge of technology. Regardless of
our work, we usually end up needing to use some form of technology to get the
job done. And our tech eventually breaks down or malfunctions. On your first
day take some time to seek out the person you’ll need to contact in this
situation. Understand the best way to contact him or her and how you submit a
request for help.
Be friendly and curious. This should be obvious but
might be difficult if you’re overcome with anxiety. Make an effort to smile, be
friendly with those you meet, and be curious about the work. Everyone you come
in contact with does something of value to your new company and your job will
be more enjoyable if you understand what it is that they do and how it relates
to your new position.
Enjoy that new job and congrats!
