The big day is almost here. You’re about to start your new job! And although you’ve obviously already made a good impression on your employer, you want to continue to do so on your very first day at work.
Keep in mind that nobody expects you to be perfect. Starting a new job is stressful, and your nerves are bound to be a bit on edge. But, there are steps you can take to hit the ground running. So, pat yourself on the back and keep these tips in mind:
The Night Before …
Prepare as much as you can on the night before, to alleviate your stress in the morning.
- Lay out your outfit. Dress for success. Check even further ahead of time and, if necessary, ask what the proper dress code for your new job is. Plan to wear something you’re comfortable in. This includes your footwear. While it needs to be clean and well-polished, avoid brand new high heels or stiff dress shoes!
- Set your alarm 15 minutes early. Allow yourself a little extra time, so you arrive relaxed and ready to go.
- Collect all your documents. Hopefully, the HR department has told you what to bring: your passport, photo ID, and any other required paperwork. If not, have them handy, just in case.
- Line up your questions and ideas: Impress your new boss by asking well-researched questions about your department and the company. Share your ideas about the projects you’ll be working on.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, eat a healthy dinner, and do whatever it takes to sleep well. You may want to listen to relaxing music, practice deep breathing, or try the Sleep with Me podcast.
The Day Of …
On the first day of this new chapter in your professional life:
- Maintain a positive attitude. Let your enthusiasm for being part of the team and the organization shine through.
- Keep your eyes and ears open to begin learning and meshing into the company culture. How do people present themselves? Work together? Interact with clients? What are the written and unwritten rules of engagement?
- Nail down names. Part of your active listening should be learning new colleagues’ names and what they do. You may want to discreetly write them down so you can review them later.
- Take notes. In addition to names, take notes on the systems, rules, and processes at your new company. Attend all orientation and training sessions. Your participation shows interest, ambition, and dedication to getting up to speed quickly.
- Take initiative. Usually, employers go lightly on new hires on their first day, so as not to overwhelm them. But if you finish something and find you have time on your hands, take the initiative and ask for another assignment.
For additional advice on making a career transition – whether it’s finding the right opportunity, polishing up your resume, interviewing like a superstar, or segueing into your new role – contact the PrideStaff Fresno team today. We look forward to helping you make your professional vision a reality.
