As excited as you are and as perfect as your new role may be for you, Day One on a job can be overwhelming or even terrifying at times. It’s a lot like the first day of school: Your pencils are sharpened, you’ve been looking forward to it for weeks, but … yikes! Now that it’s here, you may feel tempted to turn and run!
Hold on. Because what you’re feeling is perfectly normal. And with a few advanced tips and preparations, it can truly be the start of something great.
Keep an open mind.
Changing jobs is consistently ranked among the top stressors in anyone’s life. So, if you have second thoughts or cold feet, know that you are not alone. Keep your eyes and mind open to new experiences and people, and make a conscious choice to accept this change. After all, you picked it for a reason, right?
Get comfortable, get organized, and get friendly.
Settle into your new workstation and learn your way around. Say hello to people and introduce yourself without interfering or going overboard. Maybe someone will show you around but, if not, take the initiative. Begin to get to know people by treating them with respect and a smile.
Don’t fake it till you make it.
Nobody expects you to know everything right away. You will learn and grow faster when you ask intelligent questions and seek real understanding. And, your boss and coworkers will appreciate your honesty and confidence in turning to them for guidance.
Set reasonable boundaries right up front.
You may be anxious to demonstrate your best performance, and there’s a lot to be said for going the extra mile, especially as you strive to make a dynamite first impression. But learn, early on, to set boundaries that will allow you to maintain that critical work/life balance. Set your pace right from the start because it may be hard to change later on.
Develop a 30/60/90 day plan.
Your new manager may even ask for a plan for your first three months on the job, but regardless, it’s a good idea to develop one for yourself. This is your game plan, so you can hit the ground running and be ready to pivot as necessary during these critical early days.
For additional insight on starting a new job – or finding one, or doing whatever else it takes to keep your career plans on track – consider partnering with an expert from PrideStaff Fresno. We’ll tap you into our extensive knowledge, expertise, and vast professional network, so your first day on an awesome job is right around the corner – and you’re ready for it when that time comes. Contact us today to learn more.