Tips for Your First Day at a New Job

Mark Jenson gets his desk on his first day at a new job – Photo Courtesy: Mark Jenson

After months and months of job hunting, you may have finally found something and the relief is palpable. However, the excitement of getting selected for the new job may soon be replaced by some nervousness at the time of joining your new office.

It is a very natural feeling for almost all of us and there is nothing to be afraid of. The day before you start, go through the preparations, of how you’ll face your first day at job, in your mind or by talking to an experienced friend.

Here is some career advice to take into account when starting your first day at a new job.

A Few Useful Tips

Get there early:

This is normally the first bit of advice anyone will tell you when starting your career at a new firm. Never assume you will get there on time. The first day is essential to making an impression. Get there early and make a point of familiarizing yourself with the offices and introduce yourself to anyone who is already at work.

Dress to impress:

Get some new threads and get into the corporate vibe. There is nothing like getting new clothes for your first day at a new job. You’ll look new, crisp and fresh which also looks really good.

Stay true to you:

Be yourself. It’s advice that is often given but rarely taken, particularly when you’re thrown into a situation with strangers. People often try and reinvent themselves but your true colors will eventually come out, and often they’re awesome colors to see. A career requires you to pull out your more professional side, but that does not mean you should not be the ‘chilled’ you at the same time.

Ask questions:

Another good piece of career advice. Research the company and their clients. Before your boss mentions the customer base, ask questions about the clients. This is one way of showing your boss that you are interested in your new position. It shows initiative and indicates that they have hired someone who wants to learn and to go places.

Don’t be a loud mouth and express your opinion at every turn – show some humility. Some people feel they need to express an opinion on everything to make themselves look knowledgeable. Sometimes it works to be uneducated on some things.

Strike up conversations:

It may not immediately further your career but it certainly makes life on the first day of the job easier. Getting to know your colleagues is the first step in making your career a comfortable one. Take the initiative and network – now that works well for career advice. Conversations are the beginning of what could be the start of a beautiful friendship. Never underestimate the advantages of small talk.

Good luck with your first day at your new career. It’s daunting and exciting but remember to implement career advice given to you because it won’t hurt. It will serve to help you make a favorable impression with your new managers. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Vida Denning is a passionate freelance writer who enjoys working for herself. Her last permanent position was for an agency based in Dublin office space overlooking a lake. It was hard to leave.