The first day of the new job: 12 recommendations for a professional start

Firsts are always exciting, Like the first day of a new job, meeting your best friend for the first time, or driving for the first time. The first ones are unknown and have a sense of novelty. On the first day of your new job, you are probably excited and want to be the best. Every minute, you think about a thousand things, imagine what might happen, and worry about meeting new colleagues. This article offers 12 tips for an excellent start to your new job. Following these tips lets you control your emotions and work like a professional.

1. Get enough information about your new workplace

These days, all companies publish information about their activities and plans on their website or social networks. If you check the company’s website and social networks before the first day of your new job, you will get to know your work environment to some extent and no longer need to ask your colleagues everything.

Some companies publish the names and pictures of the organization’s members and a part of the organizational chart on their websites or social networks. By checking this section, you can get to know the members of the company’s different teams and check who you will be working with. Remember the names and faces of your coworkers so that you can communicate more easily when you meet them on the first day of work.

2. Decide how to introduce yourself

When you join a new organization, you meet new people, and they all want to know who you are. Your initial introduction is an opportunity to start a friendly relationship with your colleagues. So, before entering the new environment, practice introducing yourself in a few short sentences and decide how you will behave. For example, do you shake hands with new colleagues or not after introduction?

In your introduction to new colleagues, mention the following:

  • What is your name
  • What is your new position, and in which teams do you work?
  • Where did you work before, and what was your position?
You don’t need to discuss personal interests, hobbies, or home addresses to introduce yourself.

3. Choose the right clothes

The perfect outfit for the first day of a new job

On the first day of a new job, colleagues pay attention to you with curiosity; That’s why your appearance is more important than any other day. The clothes you choose should be appropriate for your new job position. For example, if you are going to be a manager, you should wear formal clothes, but if you are joining the team as an intern, semi-formal and casual clothes will suffice.

Some important points for choosing clothes on the first working day are:

  • Clean your shoes.
  • Wear ironed and neat clothes.
  • Avoid wearing clothes that attract too much attention.
  • Do not use too many accessories.
  • Neutral or cold colors are the best choice for the style of the first day of a new job.

If you don’t know what to wear, remember the job interview day. What were the people you met that day wearing? Did the clothes you wore fit or made you uncomfortable? By answering these two questions, you will determine which style suits your first work day.

4. Show up at work on time

Being on time is always essential, but it’s even more critical on the first day of a new job. Determine the best way to get to your workplace from the previous days, measure how much time you need to prepare, and travel the distance from home to work.

It is better to arrive at your workplace 5 to 10 minutes earlier than the scheduled time to show that you are polite and organized. When you don’t arrive on time, others think you are mean. Also, when you are in a hurry to reach, you will probably arrive at work in a confused state, flushed and out of breath. This appearance is not favorable for starting a new job!

5. Communicate with others

In small companies, you can probably get to know all your colleagues quickly, but in large companies, you don’t need to know everyone, and knowing your team of colleagues is enough. If you are introduced to more than 5 or 6 people when you enter, say hello to everyone once, but if the number of people you are introduced to is limited, you can say hello and shake hands with each of them.

The points that you should pay attention to when establishing initial communication are:

  • Don’t forget to smile.
  • Pay equal attention to everyone in the environment to show them your friendship.
  • Do not prolong greetings and introductions; Remember that coworkers want to return to work sooner.
  • Postpone getting to know colleagues better during lunch and rest.
  • After introducing yourself, let others present themselves, listen, and make eye contact.
  • Strike a balance between talking about yourself and asking new colleagues questions. Two-way dialogue makes communication easier.
On the first day of work, one or more colleagues will probably invite you to have lunch with them so that you are not alone. Accept this invitation and join them.

6. Arrange your desk

After getting to know your colleagues, you will probably be shown your desk. Set your things on the table, survey the environment, and ask your colleagues if you have any questions about company rules and processes. For example, on the first day of work, you should probably ask your colleagues about the place to eat or lunchtime.

7. be active

It will take some time to get used to the conditions of your new workplace and your duties, but that doesn’t mean you should sit on your hands from day one and wait for others to tell you what to do. You know your position in the organization and what tasks you must perform, so start working immediately and be automatic. Help your colleagues and ask them if you have any questions about completing your duties.

It is better to avoid giving criticism and suggestions in the first days of work because this will make your colleagues’ mental image of you harmful. They think you are interfering in their work or trying to control them.

8. Ask as many questions as you can

When you’re new, your coworkers know to answer your questions and help you get used to your new environment, but that doesn’t mean you have to ask questions about everything. Try to find a solution for some of your problems, and if necessary, ask your colleagues if you have done your work correctly or not.
 Remember that not asking questions and asking too many questions are equally problematic. If you don’t ask any questions, your colleagues will assume that you are not performing your duties according to the rules and established processes of the organization. If you ask too many questions, others will think you don’t have enough mastery of your work and rely on others to complete your tasks.

9. Pay attention to everything

Pay attention to everything on the first day of work

In the first days of a new job, you must be attentive and pay attention to details. For example, check when your colleagues have lunch or which people are more friendly with each other. Also, check what everyone on the team is doing and who is cleaning the kitchen or the tables. Listen to their conversations and check how they talk about their superiors or colleagues. By paying attention to these things, you will understand how to approach and what red lines you should consider for yourself. Considering these things, it will be easier for you to communicate with new colleagues.

10. be yourself

You never have to change yourself to impress others. Remember that the employer hired you and thinks you are the right fit for the position. So be yourself and don’t pretend to be anything. Pretending makes you anxious, and acting naturally gives you peace and confidence.

11. Use body language

An essential part of communicating on the first day of a new job is your body language. Show others with your body language that you are available and welcome to talk and share with them. Also, when someone is talking to you, you can use your body language to show that you are eager to hear what they have to say.

With these body language techniques, you show others that you are receptive to communication with them:

  • Smile.
  • Make eye contact.
  • Raise your head
  • Do not stand with your hands on your chest, and do not put your hands in your pockets.
  • stand up straight
  • Relax and do your work without rushing.
  • Do not touch or scratch your head or face while talking to others. (These actions are a sign of anxiety and nervousness.)
  • When you shake hands, give the other person a firm shake, and don’t pull back until they have released your hand.
  • Speak clearly and concisely.

12. At the end of the first working day, say goodbye and give positive feedback

After the first working day ends, your superiors or colleagues will probably ask your opinion. Give positive feedback and thank them for answering your questions and helping you throughout the day. Talk about what you liked and what exciting experiences you expect to have in the coming days. Avoid criticism on the first day; don’t express it even if you see a weakness. Before leaving the workplace, say goodbye to your superiors and close colleagues.

last word

In this article, we have provided 12 simple recommendations to help you spend the first day of your new job the best way. Remember that no miracle or extraordinary event will happen; You will meet new people and work in a new environment. So relax and accept your new work life. If you are overly anxious, use stress management techniques and deep breathing.

If you have an experience about your first day at work or can add other points to the article’s content, write in the comments section for us and other colleagues.

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