Your first day at a new job is an exciting opportunity to make a great impression and set yourself up for success. From preparing ahead of time, how to succeed in a job interview, what to wear for an interview, how to get a consultant to notice you, how to write the ultimate CV these practical tips will help you start strong. In this guide, we’ll share expert advice on how to navigate your first day at work, avoid common mistakes, and feel confident in your new role.
What are the top tips for having the best first day at work?
1. Appearance
Try to get a peek at the dress code when you sit your interview and then go for similar but understated on day one. Set your own bar pretty low, not too low mind you but presentable and tidy. This leaves you enough room for a day where you spruce up a little more and bask in the warmth of those “wow you look great” comments when you need a little pick-me-up. This is all about the long game.
2. Observe your colleagues
On your first day, take the time to watch and listen to your colleagues. Get to know who everyone is and understand their personalities. Notice who is putting their best foot forward and who might be your go-to person in a challenging situation. This will help you navigate the workplace dynamics and build strong relationships.
3. Hang in there
Don’t be the first to leave, and avoid questions like when lunch is, when is my break, when can I go home.... believe me it is those questions that people remember you asked, most probably because they were also checking out how long it is before they can go for a tea break. For a newbie these kinds of questions, no matter how innocent, can give the impression of a lacking work ethic.
4. Take note
Always have a notebook with you on day one. This is the day when you will be given log in details, codes to the toilets, important numbers to remember along with a ton of names. Write it all down, this is your bible, you can guarantee that in the hustle that is a first day most of this information will go clear out of your head the minute you step out of the doors at the end of your shift. Asking for the toilet code while you hop from one foot to the other desperately trying not to pee is not ideal for a second day on the job.
5. Be Switzerland
Do not get involved in existing workplace politics, never express an opinion and certainly avoid aligning on any one side. Remember there are always three sides to every story, his, hers and then the truth. If you are anything like me you will say exactly what you are thinking without a filter, offend absolutely everyone enough that they all reconcile their previous differences and you find yourself the new target of workplace warfare.
That's it! Day one really can be that simple. So, to all of you embarking on your first day, I wish you the very best of luck. Be wary of re-inventions and if you do try the literary genius personality don’t worry, no one can memorise Ulysses anyway.
