Congrats on the new job! If you’re reading this, you’re probably getting ready to start a new chapter in your life.
Trust me, I know new jobs can be nerve-wracking. You start thinking of everything that could go wrong.
Will I fit in? Will I know what I’m doing? Will I do it well? Where’s the coffee?
Stressing over the first day and worrying about how it will go is something that everyone goes through, even if just a little bit. However, you don’t have to lose sleep over your first day!
As someone who has had a first day at a new job in the last three months, I know what it’s like to feel nervous, and maybe even a little nauseous. But good news – the first day is never as scary as you think it’s going to be!
Thankfully, most employers understand that you’re new and you’re going to need a little hand-holding that first day. Even if you like to think that you don’t need any help – just embrace it. We’ve all been new somewhere before.
Stick to these tips to help make your first day one for the books!
1. Research the Workplace
When you go into work prepared and armed with knowledge about what they’re currently working or who they’re currently working with, it’ll make you a little less nervous. When you know absolutely nothing about the company besides what you learned in getting prepared for your interview, it’s no wonder you’re nervous! Familiarize yourself with the company culture and more to help ensure a successful first day.
2. Dress for Success
Even if you’re unsure of how everyone dresses on a day-to-day basis, dress nice! Not only will dressing nice help you feel more confident, but it’ll also help make a good first impression to those co-workers you haven’t met yet. You don’t want to show up in jeans on the first day and be too casual, especially if no one else is dressed as laid back. Use your clothes to make a classy, respectable statement to your new employer!
3. Ask Questions
While you’ll undoubtedly come up with more questions as your first week goes on, come in with questions that you’ll want answered the first day! Like… where is the coffee? Where are basic office supplies if I lose my pen or run out of paper? Do I get a key? Ask the essential questions! Make sure you get an office tour and familiarize yourself with where everything is! “Fake it till you make it” is not a good piece of advice to follow when starting a new job. And I can’t stress it enough – ask questions, take notes. While questions are important, you don’t want to be asking the same ones repeatedly.
4. Take Initiative
It’s not like college where professors briefly go over the syllabus on day 1 and let you go early. When starting a new job, come prepared to work on your first day! While your workload will probably be light, getting right to work on day 1 helps throw you in and get you acclimated more quickly.
Starting a new job is exciting – and it shouldn’t be scary. The night before, make sure you mentally prepare yourself and take some time to remind yourself that it’ll all be okay. Eventually, you’ll be familiar with your new day-to-day routine and will wonder why you were so nervous in the first place. In time, you’ll be able to tackle your new workload and become a valued team member! Good luck!