Starting a new job can be daunting, so we’ve put together a handy guide for your perfect first day.
7am – Early to Bed, Early to Rise… Be sure to hit the hay early the night before your first day to wake up feeling refreshed and raring to go. With lots of new names, passwords and procedures to learn, you need to make sure you are functioning at full mental capacity.
7.30 – Dress to Impress Before starting your new role, check about office dress code. First impressions mean a lot – dressing professionally indicates that you are to be taken seriously.
8am – Time to Travel Make sure you have completed a practise run of your journey to work and make note of any alternative routes in case of emergency. Having to rush in will not help first day nerves!
9am – Settle in to Your Space Personalising your work space with a couple of photos or favourite items is perfectly acceptable – but don’t overdo it! Remember, although it may be your desk, you are in a professional environment and want to project the right image.
10am – Research, research, research A sure way to impress on your first day is to have a good understanding of what it is the company does. Do some homework before you start then supplement your knowledge with the information in your employee handbook.
11am – Note it Down Information will be flying at you from all angles on your first day. To manage this new knowledge, all you need is a pad and pen. Take note of as much as you can, being able to refer to something written down will often save the day.
12pm – Watch and Learn Every office has its own culture and way of functioning. Unfortunately this isn’t something you can sit and read about in your handbook. The easiest way to learn is to observe. Watch out for how your colleagues work and interact with each other.
1pm – Take a Break Your first day will most likely be a complete whirlwind! Make sure you take the time to eat lunch and recharge your batteries for the afternoon.
2pm – Question It You won’t know it all on your first day! Don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues to help clear up anything ambiguous. Asking questions will show your initiative and willingness to learn.
3pm – Who? If you have difficulty with remembering, make a note of your colleague’s names. You are part of a team, so knowing names is a priority!
4pm – Can I Help? One of the most important questions you can ask on a first day is ‘Can I help?’ Show your colleagues and managers that you are proactive– if you finish a task, always look for the next thing you can work on.
5pm – Communication Is Key Relate back any positive aspects or possible issues you encountered through your day to your supervisor. Clear communication is so important in a healthy and productive working relationship- anything you are not clear on can be addressed and worked on the next day.
6pm – Go home and put your feet up with a cup of tea You’ve earned it!