Day one is always nerve-racking. Do you remember when you were starting school and how that made you feel nervous, then excited, then nervous and excited? Your first day at a new job will be similar. Except this time, there’s no running to mum or dad when the going gets tough.
So, preparation is crucial. Back then, did you ready your school uniform a week before? Maybe you pre-read some books and answered some worksheets to get ahead? Were you particular with your hairstyle, voice, and smile in hopes of impressing your teacher and classmates? Well, it’s wise to be just as primed for success now that you’re an officially employed adult.
The goal is to come off grateful for the job opportunity, enthusiastic to meet colleagues, and qualified to meet your KPIs. Basically, you want to appear like you have it all together. To help boost your confidence, read our tips for your first day at a new job. But remember not to be too hard on yourself. No one will expect you to be perfect on your first day.
PS – these strategies work whether you’re just starting your career or jumping to a new company.
1. Arrive early
Wondering what to do on your first day of work to make a great first impression? Don’t arrive on time, but at least 15 minutes before official office hours begin. This gives you ample allowance to navigate the building, queue properly for the elevator, and check with your contact or HR. Your punctuality will demonstrate your reliability, professionalism, and time-management skills.
2. Know the details of your contract
By now, you should’ve already memorised the important details of your contract. What does your day-to-day involve? How does your company expect you to achieve goals? What should you bring on your first day of work? Will the company issue you a laptop, or should you bring your own? This knowledge will help you feel self-assured and more secure about your words and actions.
3. Test the technology
Maybe you don’t have to “arrive” early or “bring” a laptop because your work is completely online. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to prepare for. Download all necessary software and apps, make sure you have the latest versions, and test them out. And don’t forget to secure your internet connection!
4. Plan your meal(s)
You also need to plan your food to function properly throughout the day. Does your company offer complimentary meals and snacks? If not, research the options available in the building and anywhere nearby. Maybe there’s a canteen where you can get your lunch at a discount. You might also want to consider bringing packed food and impressing your colleagues with your cooking skills.
5. Stay positive
Don’t let setbacks muddle your professionalism. Stay positive even if your desk isn’t ready, your teammates leave you for a six-hour meeting, or you end up doing nothing. Remain enthusiastic and eager to learn! Remember your boss or manager is human too and, it’s common for a few hiccups to happen on the first day.
6. Discuss expectations
At the first chance you meet with your line manager, ask about expectations. Surely, they’ve already envisioned how someone in your role can succeed. What are your daily, weekly, and monthly deliverables? “Simply ask what your boss wants from you each day and what the accompanying performance indicators are. This will help you understand how your performance will be graded,” explains career coach John Lim to Channel NewsAsia.
7. Get to know your colleagues
Do you know that most young adults prefer to resolve work-related problems on their own instead of approaching their superiors? This is unhealthy for any organisation! News flash – establishing connections with colleagues will make your life infinitely easier. They’ll help you comprehend unfamiliar processes, cheer you on during reports, and listen if you need to vent.
How can you do this without appearing awkward? Lim suggests shadowing them, walking to their tables with a quick question, and offering to do meeting minutes. Additionally, former Google career coach Jenny Blake recommends breaking the ice by asking, “What did you wish you knew when you started at the company?” or “What advice do you have for me as I get up to speed?”
8. Talk less, listen more
Wondering how you should act on your first day? Go back in time and be a student again. Your first days at a new job are not for bragging about your skills, accomplishments, and connections. (Remember, they hired you! You’ve already impressed them with your winning CV.) So, instead, prove you’re a worthy hire through your actions – listen, listen, listen.
9. Use positive nonverbal communication
Sure, you’re already listening, listening, listening. But are you showing you’re actually listening? Those are two different things, and it’s a good idea to establish from the get-go that you know how to use positive body language. When sitting, straighten your back and keep your chin up. If standing, relax your shoulders and plant your feet firmly. And don’t forget to make eye contact!
10. Smile confidently
Smiling shows you’re at ease and happy to be where you are. So, smile as soon as you enter your workplace, when you ask where your desk is, and during your onboarding. And make sure to flash that grin when you meet your supervisor and teammates for the first time to appear warm and friendly. No one wants a new kid on the block who brings in bad vibes!
To be more confident about your smile, brush and floss properly before leaving your house. You might also want to bring a hygiene kit to the office so you can freshen up any time of day. Are your crooked teeth bothering you? Consider aligner therapy with ClearCorrect, a discreet and comfortable way to fix misalignments.
ClearCorrect aligners use three layers (two tough outer shells and a softer elastomeric core) as well as a flat, scalloped trimline, and customised details to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. It’s also stain-resistant, so yes, you can wear these aligners at work without anyone noticing immediately. Take this smile assessment test to see if ClearCorrect is the solution for you.
11. Dress appropriately
Match that smile with an impressive outfit! Wearing a tailored business suit or your favourite pair of stilettos will do wonders for your confidence. But a word of caution – what if your manager sends you out into the field under the sweltering sun? It’s still best to ask about the office dress code and if there are items you shouldn’t wear (for example, some food companies prohibit wearing jewellery).
12. Don’t be in a rush
According to Australian hiring managers, new employees take an average of five months to gain proficiency in managing their responsibilities. So, don’t be too hard on yourself, especially on day/week one. Give yourself time to adjust and space to commit mistakes. That’s how you’ll learn to become better at your job!
That said, don’t be in a rush to leave the office immediately. Figure out the office culture. Should you wait for your supervisor to go first? Maybe your team conducts an end-of-day huddle. Did your colleagues invite you for a quick chat? Don’t skip these opportunities to show you’re a team player.
On the first day at a new job, you should be ready for anything. Prepare for all scenarios, like doing absolutely nothing for eight hours or putting out fires one after another. Relax, get organised, and smile. Good luck!
References:
Lim, J. (2023, June 29). Commentary: To ace your first job, invest in your workplace relationships. CNA.
Pash, C. (2018, September 12). Why many Australians report their first day at a new job as a disaster. Yahoo! Finance.
Ward, M. (2018, February 22). Former Google career coach shares 3 ways to ace your first week at a new job. CNBC.
