Your first days at any job is perhaps one of the most memorable yet challenging day of your career life. For some, it is usually a throwback to your first day at a new school, where you are prowling around for a new friend, trying to fit in as swiftly as possible. Some others blend along just well with minor setbacks. Nevertheless, it is always easier when you know what to expect. Here are 5 things to do on your first day of work to help you ease the burden off your shoulders.
Be punctual
It cannot be stressed enough that punctuality is of utmost importance. You do not want to be the guy/girl that was late on his first day of work. As a matter of fact, it will be best if you come in slightly earlier but enter just on time. It would help you calm your nerves and gain perspective before stepping in to your very first day at work.
Socialize
Socializing is a key component for your first day. When you mingle, you get to know your colleagues and sort of inform them that you have just recently joined the company. Besides that, you will also be able to better understand the ways and works of the company based on your colleague’s perspective.
Pay attention
Pay attention to your surroundings. Observe how people work and interact within the working environment. Watch how your colleagues interact, observe how they interact with the superiors and how the superiors interact with them. Pay attention to details as well. This will help you identify the nitty-gritty of your work environment as well as the kind of social landscape that exist.
Prepare and ask questions
Always prepare potential questions the night before. Brainstorm practical and general questions you could ask and write them down in your smartphone or on a piece of paper. Each time you meet someone new on your first day, think of whether or not they will be able to answer any of the questions you have listed. It will also be useful to have the contact of a HR personnel to drop an email in case of basic queries. Not only does this help with clarifying, it would show your penchant to learn and inquisitiveness which employers tend to like.
Be yourself
Do not be too hard on yourself if your first impression was not the best. You are going to be seeing your colleagues every working day so there is ample time to create a good impression. Plus, first impressions never lasts. Relax and be yourself. Creating an alter ego just for work or trying to be someone you are not can be stressful to cope with. Besides, you can only bring out the best in yourself when you are yourself.
