10 Tips for Your First Day of Work at a New Job
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So, you finally landed a new job - congratulations! Your long days of applying and interviewing for disabled jobs is finally over!
But don't get comfortable just yet. While you can let out a sigh of relief that you no longer have to wonder when you'll find a job, you now have to shift your focus on how to succeed at your new job.
Your first day of work is vital to making a good first impression. You'll probably be nervous, and it can be hard to know how your first day will play out. But there are some things you can do to ensure the day goes as smoothly as possible.
Do you want to know what they are? Keep reading to discover 10 tips for your first day of work at a new job.
1. Plan to Be Early
Alright, so this one should go without saying. Being late on your first day at work can leave a bad first impression and make you feel stressed before the day has even begun!
You should plan to leave early for your first few days of work. You may take a wrong turn, get stuck behind a school bus, or find yourself in rush hour traffic. If your commute goes smoothly, you can take a few minutes to collect yourself before entering the office.
2. Go to the Front Desk
When it's your first day of a new job, you probably won't know where your desk is or where your boss's office is. You may not even know who to report to first.
Instead of walking in and wandering around trying to find out, just go straight to the front desk. Tell them it's your first day and let them direct you on where to go.
3. Look at Employee Handbook
If you got hired on the spot or had to return before your first day to fill out paperwork, you probably already go an employee handbook. If not, you'll get one on your first day.
If you have some downtime at work (or before your first day if you got your book early), read the sections on company rules and employee culture. You may find some important information that will prevent you from making a big faux pas.
4. Bring Necessary Paperwork
If you haven't filled out any paperwork beforehand, one of your tasks on the first day of work will be to do so.
Remember, that most companies will require special forms or identification on your end. This may include your social security number, license, or passport. If you're not sure what you need, ask before-hand. This will make the day of run a lot smoother for you and the HR employee who has to handle your paperwork.
5. Find the Perfect Outfit
Along with arriving on time, finding the right outfit is vital for making a great first impression. If you interviewed at the company, did you notice what everyone else was wearing?
Some companies have been moving towards a more casual dress code. That being said. It's always better to dress a little nicer than you think you have to, just in case.
6. Be Flexible at Lunch Time
One of the best first day of work tips is to be prepared for different lunch situations. Some companies have full kitchens with social lunch breaks, some make a habit of going out for lunch, and others have employees that eat at their desk.
Watch what others are doing and follow suit. If you're not positive there is a kitchen (or you don't know where it is) bring a lunch that doesn't have to be refrigerated, and don't bring anything that will give you bad breath.
You should consider bringing money in case your colleagues invite you to go out for lunch with them - there are many benefits of socializing with coworkers, so you'll want to take advantage of this opportunity.
7. Keep an Open Mind
If you find yourself in the middle of office gossip, try to keep an open mind about what's being said.
You'll likely hear your coworkers telling you stories about other colleagues or even your boss. But, remember, you don't know any of these people yet. Don't take their gossip too seriously and give yourself a chance to form your own opinions.
8. Ask Questions and Take Notes
Your first day of work is going to be filled with all sorts of unfamiliar tasks. While you may think it's better to figure things out for yourself, people will expect you to ask questions.
It's better to ask them when they arise, rather than wasting a large portion of your day trying to figure it out just to have to ask anyway hours after the task was assigned to you. Don't be afraid to take notes on anything important or complicated, so you don't have to ask again.
If anyone helped you a lot on your first day, consider sending a thank you email. Just like your interview follow-up email, a thank you email will leave a great first impression.
9. Go with the Flow
Your new boss may have mentioned in your interview that they are looking for someone creative who can think outside the box. These are great qualities to have, but you shouldn't try to shake things up right away.
Spend your first few weeks going with the flow and learning how things are currently done. Once you've been at the job longer, you can try making changes. But if you try to do this on your first day, you may come off as conceited.
10. Introduce Yourself
One of the biggest first days of work tips is to introduce yourself to everyone you meet. Don't assume everyone knows your name or has even heard the company was hiring someone new. This can make your colleagues feel awkward or out of the loop.
Instead, be friendly, introduce yourself, and make casual small talk. The faster you get to know your colleagues the more comfortable you'll feel and the better you'll fit in.
Surviving Your First Day of Work
If you're starting a new job soon, you're probably nervous about what's in store on your first day of work. While it can be hard to predict what will happen, following our tips will help ensure you make a good impression.
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