Tips for Your First Day of Work
Why is your first day of work important? (Hint: It’s not just the first day; it’s the first day, period.)
The phrase “first impression” often refers to meeting someone for the first time. The first impression may be either positive or negative, but the first impression sticks either way.
The first day of work may be your first impression of the company. The impression you make on your first day impacts the job you’ll be doing and the decision to give you growth inside the firm.
Therefore, your first day on the job (and every day after that) is important. You may be nervous, but projecting confidence can help ensure a positive experience.
Tips for a successful first day of work:
Dress up
The first thing that people often will form an opinion about is how well or how poorly you’re dressed. It directly goes to speak towards your hygiene and respect for the workplace.
Plan your commute
Plan your commute in advance. If you’re walking or cycling, make sure you have the appropriate gear.
Review onboarding and orientation materials carefully
Make sure you understand employee policies, including dress codes, health benefits, time off, and sick days. Review all materials given to you by your manager or human resources.
Ask plenty of questions
Ask your manager or coworkers to clarify anything you don’t understand. Ask about the company, the culture, the people, and anything else you want to know.
This helps everyone understand what’s going on, and it helps you understand expectations.
Be friendly
Introduce yourself. Say hello to everyone you meet. Smile. Be approachable.
The people you meet on your first day need to know two things: who you are and what you can do.
Explain what you’ll be doing, and listen to them do the same.
Prepare an elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a short description of who you are and what you’re working on. This helps people get to know you in about 30 seconds. This is most helpful when introducing yourself to the CXOs & Seniors you may be introduced to.
Eat lunch with your coworkers
Eat lunch with your coworkers. This is the best possible way to catch them in their comfort zone and get to know them as humans, and not just job roles.
Observe others
Jot down your observations about people, their new roles, and any new initiatives and projects.
This helps you remember people, their roles, and key initiatives.
Be available to your supervisor
Be available to your supervisor. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help. See if you can arrive early, stay late, or take on an extra project.
Pay attention to your body language
Unspoken communication can significantly impact if you’re considered for a promotion or asked to leave your work.
Smile. Make eye contact. Sit up straight.
Relax
Be confident, be friendly, and be willing to learn. Keep in mind that people also know that it’s your first day. You need not fret. Worrying will only make you look less confident.
Relax.
Say goodbye when you leave
Make sure to greet all of the people you interacted with on your first day. These small gestures make for a brilliant image and leave lasting impressions. Some of the people you may just greet every day may someday turn out to be your biggest allies in a tough spot!
