To
many, starting a new job is like starting school. Even
though you're older, the nerves and uncertainty about
what to expect are still there. Being the 'new kid' will
always be daunting, especially when it concerns something
as important as your career.
The
first day of a new job will never be easy because in
most people's minds there is so much that can go wrong.
What if you're late? What if the people you're going
to be working with don't like you? What if you can't
do the work? The list of possibilities is endless but
with proper thought most of these can be overcome.
When
you start school, you don't have much control over what
happens to you but now you have the power to make a difference
to your life and your career. There are a number of dos
and don'ts regarding starting a new job. Follow these
and you won't go far wrong.
Dos
Preparation
Preparation can be the key to making your first day run smoothly. Don't leave
everything to the last minute, as rushing to get everything ready will
leave you flustered and anxious. Instead, think about the things that
you can prepare in advance and once they have been sorted out, you will
be much calmer and relaxed. Think about:
-
Getting
to the workplace. It is important to arrive on time so as to create a good first impression.
Think about how you are going to make your journey
and how much time you need to allow.
-
What
you are going to wear. Be sure you know the company dress policy. This will make choosing a suitable
outfit much easier and you will also blend in.
-
Organisation.
Make sure that you have everything you need for your
first day, especially anything you may have been asked
to bring with you.
In
the workplace
There are also a number of things to think about when you actually make it
to your workplace. Consider:
-
Your
colleagues. Pay attention to what they do and try to get their names right. Be friendly
and offer to do things like make coffee to make yourself
feel more a part of the existing team.
-
Your
enthusiasm. Take every opportunity to show how enthusiastic you are. Use your initiative
rather than sitting there doing nothing.
-
Asking
questions. Never assume anything, always ask about things you are unsure of. That way
you will always know exactly what you are doing,
how it should be done and when it needs to be done
by.
Don'ts
You will not be expected to get everything right first time when starting
a new job but there are a few first day errors that should be avoided
if you are to fit in and become a valuable member of the team. These
are:
-
Complaining
or arguing. Remember that you have just started and that you only have your first impressions
to go on. Give things a chance before making any
comments and where possible be constructive, not
destructive, in what you say.
-
Being
over friendly. You may think that making friends with everyone is the best thing to do but
it is possible that you may come across as insincere,
as you haven't yet had time to get to know people
properly. Be friendly but not over friendly.
-
Lack
of interest. Don't start booking holidays or asking what time you can leave the minute you
walk through the door as these make it sound as though
you can't wait to get away. Also, never sit around
doing nothing as it makes you look disinterested.
If you are stuck for something to do then ask if
there's anything that needs doing, or if there's
anything you can read about your new company.
There
is plenty to think about when you start a new job but there
is no point worrying about what could happen. Wait and
see what DOES happen - be pragmatic. If you try your best
and just be yourself then no one can ask any more of you
