• Your one stop for college news and resources!
Your Career

First Day at a New Job

3 tips to spend your first day at a new job like a star employee!

The first day at a new job can be nerve-wracking. However, we have made a quick checklist for you that will help you ace your first day as a newbie. Here they are:

1.  Research

Make sure before you have set foot into your first day at a new job, you have done plenty of research into the company and industry so you don’t put your foot in your mouth. Scan through articles, read up on whatever you can find on the internet and learn about what is happening in the market.

2. Get Organized for the first day at a new job

Whatever you may need for your first day at your new job, make sure you’re organized the night before so you can get ready for work the next morning smoothly.  You wouldn’t want to be late for your job, so iron your shirt, make your lunch—are your shoes ready? Just to be on the safe side, set two alarm clocks—you’ll sleep better knowing everything is prepared.

Thinking about your career? Read: What to do After Graduation

3. Beware of Business Etiquette

There are a number of things that you will have to do in order to look like a cultured and professional resource on your first day at a new job. It’s called business etiquette, and there is no harm in brushing up on a few things such as below:

i) Dress Code
You will be meeting your team or co-workers for the first time. Is there a dress code that is followed at the new job? You don’t want to seem too informal and yet at the same time informal. Try and find an in-between and if you are not sure it’s okay to call or email HR to ask them about the dress code so you don’t violate any rules.

ii) Punctuality
You know that old adage “If you’re five minutes early you’re on time, if you’re on time—you’re late”? Don’t be late on your first day at a new job, it leaves a really bad impression.  If you are using public transport, take extra measures to ensure that you are not late and plan to leave your home early. It is okay to be at work 10 minutes earlier than your colleagues on your first day at a new job. At least you’re not giving the impression that you’re lazy.

iii) Demeanor
How you carry yourself is a very big deal. You will probably feel very nervous on your first day. Relax!  Everyone at this job also had a “first day” just like you. Give a relaxed and confident impression but be careful not to appear arrogant. You wouldn’t have made it this far if you weren’t good at what you do.

iv) Behavior
Neither your boss or your supervisor will have enough time to introduce you to all of your co-workers, so it is absolutely okay for you to go up and introduce yourself to people. This will help build trust, networking and help you learn how the team operates. This way, you will also be giving off positive energy to the people around you. It is okay to drum up a one-liner and have a little small talk. They may also want to know a thing or two about you: where did you come from? What was your last job? What will you be doing here? What was your major in college? Don’t be a drone and give them long answers. Keep engaged with short chit-chat to the people you now work with in order to gel with them.

Usually first days are very intimidating, don’t overthink it and don’t worry so much. Remember, you obviously brought something to the table when you came for the interview and you can get through this now as well. Have a great time in your first day at a new job!

Read our tips on: How to Write a Cover Letter

Author Bio
Anna Marsh is a Senior HR Executive at an Online Education And Training Company. She is also a blog writer and shares her professional insights on workplace issues and gives assignment help at assignmenthelpdeal.co.uk to students who want for assistance. She also likes taking online courses to update her skills in HR management. Follow her on Twitter, Google+, and Facebook.

Previous ArticleNext Article