Career Advice » Starting your new job » Your first day

Your first day

27th July 2017

Your first day in a new job can be a nerve-racking experience but as long as you remember why the company hired you, you’ve nothing to fear. Here are some handy tips on how to approach your first day:

  • Check the route to your workplace the week before. Have your journey planned and leave 30 minutes early just in case.
  • Have a good breakfast so you not famished by 11 o’clock.
  • Make a good first impression by getting to your workplace early.
  • Dress appropriately – whether that be in the required uniform or in a smart office suit / attire
  •  Bring a book and make notes – people’s names, login on details, your extension number, your email password etc – just so you only have to ask once
  • Shake hands firmly when introduced to colleagues, smile and make an effort to remember their names
  • Do your homework – find out who you will be working with and what they do
  • Keep yourself busy: The first day can go very slowly as you won’t have an established work routine and may often be waiting on people to give you work and/or training. Keep yourself busy during these periods by studying your new company’s systems.
  • Turn off your mobile! Don’t make personal phone calls and if you’ve got internet access, only use it to look at the company’s own website.
  • Watch, listen and learn. If everyone around you is busy but you’ve nothing to do, watch listen and learn, there is lots of information you can pick up.
  • Be confident in your own ability: If you’re nervous, keep reminding yourself that this is your first day, you’ve already got the job and that you are the candidate that was selected
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