First Day at a New Job: Do’s and Don’ts
The first day at a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Remember that a new job is a fresh start with endless opportunities and another chance to make an awesome first impression. But to ease some of the nerves, it is best to do whatever you can to make sure you are prepared for your first day. Here we have a list of do’s and don’ts for a successful first day:
Do’s:
- Do Plan Your Outfit the Night Before. For your first day, you want to make a great first impression, so plan your best outfit and have it ready to go so you’re not scrambling in the morning on what to wear. Also, it’s important to remember, that this isn’t an interview and you already have the job, if you know the office is more casual, don’t be afraid to tone it down some.
- Do Set Your Alarm and Plan Your Commute. The night before, double-check what time you are expected to arrive, and then set your alarm and plan your commute to arrive at least 15 minutes before then. It’s better to be very early on your first day than very late from not planning your morning.
- Do Figure Out Your Breakfast. It is considered the most important meal of the day for a reason! So either prep what you will be eating the night before, or set enough time to make your breakfast and eat before you leave, so you are not hungry when you get there.
- Do Pack Your Bag. Make sure to pack all the essentials—a notebook and pen for taking notes, a sweater if the office is cold, a stain stick for any spills, some money for lunch, and a snack in case lunch runs late or doesn’t happen. Also, refer back to the list HR should have sent you of what documents you need to bring in. This may include a passport, photo ID, or other paperwork you need for employment verification. (It’s usually a good idea to bring these things regardless.)
- Do One Last Bit of Stalking. It’s hard to remember everyone’s name at first—which is why it’s smart to stalk your company’s team page or your new team members’ LinkedIn profiles one last time (even if you already did this during the interview process).
Dont’s:
- Don’t Ignore Help from Coworkers. Graciously accept any assistance or help from your coworkers. Don’t worry about it making you look helpless or clueless. Many people welcome the opportunity to help new employees! It makes them feel good to help when they can, and it can form the foundation of a good workplace relationship.
- Don’t Turn Down a Lunch Invitation. Going to lunch is another way to get relationships with your coworkers off to a good start, so make sure to take them up on any lunch invitations.
- Don’t Be Unwilling to Learn How to Do Something a New Way. Even if your last job duties are similar to your new job, you should treat this transition as an opportunity to mix things up. Be open to learning new techniques for performing the same or similar tasks. These new methods might be even better!
- Don’t Complain About Your Former Boss or Coworkers. Your new coworkers may wonder if you will speak poorly of them when you are at your next job. You’re in a new and hopefully better place now, so leave the past in the past.
- Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. First days can be overwhelming, but remember that everyone was new once, and soon enough you’ll be one of the pros trying to make a new coworker feel at home. If you try to do it all, you’ll drive yourself crazy. So relax and enjoy yourself in your new job.
Lastly, on your first day, remember to just be yourself! You’re about to embark on a new journey for your career and just know you’re headed in the right direction.