How to Ace Your First Day on the Job
Your first day at a new job is often one of the most memorable and perhaps stressful of your career. You’re about to meet your new coworkers, try and make a good impression, get your workspace set up and try to learn all the new insights on your company’s rules and culture.
A job well done at these tasks doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve curated tips to help you have a successful first day of work at your new job. Trust us, it’ll be a piece of cake!
Why is the first day so important?
On the first day of you being at the company, you’ll set the tone for your job going forward. Typically, you’ll meet your coworkers, get an idea on the workflow and schedule of things, maneuver your way around the office and set up your work space (unless you’re working remotely, which in your case, you’re already very familiar with your own home and desk area *whew*).
Don’t let the stress of having to make a great first impression get to you. Be true to yourself, and stick with your instincts. They hired you for a reason in the first place. You went through a whole interview process where your personality was in play (p.s. They like you already!).
Tips to rock your first work day:
- Dress to impress? More like, dress to destress!
In any given situation, comfortability is always a top priority when it comes to picking out an outfit. More importantly, something to feel good in! Choose an outfit that expresses your personality and makes you feel like a million bucks! No need to dust off a pantsuit to impress anybody, your radiating energy will do that for you!
Major bonus: working remotely? You only need to change your top! Stay in your sweats or yoga pants all day and no one will even notice!
2. Plan your commute.
Sounds a little cliche, but “arriving late was a way of saying that your own time was more valuable than the time of the person who waited for you” (Karen Joy Fowler, The Jane Austen Book Club). Be on time. Plan your morning accordingly to give yourself the time to get ready, brew a pot of coffee and skip all the morning traffic. This way you’re not frantic in the morning, rushing to your first meeting of the day and breaking a sweat amidst all the first day nerves.
Another major bonus: if you are working remotely, your commute just got a whole lot shorter. I’m guessing it doesn’t take that long to get from your bed to your desk in the other room?
3. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions!
New hires have a lot to learn, and asking questions, as silly as they might feel, will help you avoid mistakes in the future. Don’t “fake it till you make it”… if you’re confused about something, anyone will be willing to help you. For instance, you may need to ask which tasks you should prioritize or how often your supervisor prefers to get updates. Even if you’re wondering where the break room is to sneak off and get a cup of coffee, ask away! Asking questions shows that you want to do well in your new position.
4. Prepare an elevator pitch.
Have a short and sweet introduction ready for when it’s time for your first couple meetings! Your coworkers want to get to know you! So break the ice by talking about your work history and how excited you are about your new position at this new company. Add a couple fun facts about yourself, and boom, perfect pitch.
5. Leave with a good attitude.
Remember that while the first day at a new job is very important, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t go “perfectly” (what is perfection anyways, right?). It’s YOUR FIRST DAY! If you make a couple mistakes or feel like something was off, good news is, you’ll be back there tomorrow… and the day after that, and all of next week as well. You’re going to get better. You’re going to get the swing of things and find your comfortability in the workflow. “Yes, you should prepare and try to do your best, but remember that if you try to accomplish too much, you may get overwhelmed. Know that there’s always tomorrow” — Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and author of “Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant; How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job.”
6. Reeelax
The urge to make a good impression can be challenging, but remember to relax on your first day so that you can optimize your productivity. If you start to feel nervous or stressed, take some slow, deep breaths and focus on being present. This is the start to a whole new adventure!
It’s said that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. A new job indicates big changes that require us to adapt. The best part about the great unknown (in this case, your killer new job position) is it’s limitless potential. Embrace the change and soak into your new position that was perfectly made for you! Follow these last six tips to ace your first day and make it one to remember! Now all that’s left to do is to set your attitude on positive and head for success.
Good luck ladies and gents!
