So you got the job offer, well done. You are on top of the world… But then *BAM*, the nerves kick in, the thoughts of starting a brand new job overcome you and you find yourself in a very daunting place.
Understandably you have a thousand different questions swimming around in your brain. Will your co-workers like you? Will you like the job? What if I am not good enough to take the step up? Is it better to stay where I am? These thoughts are enough to make anyone feel a little anxious but hopefully these four tips can help you kick ass on your first day.
Beyond the basics of arriving on time and looking bright eyed and bushy tailed, there are a few other tactics you can put into play to ensure you start your new job on the right foot.
1. Be Confident.
More than likely your manager will be busy, and as much as your new company is willing to invest in getting you up to speed, you shouldn’t have to rely on your manager to forge relationships for you. There’s nothing wrong with showing some initiative and making an attempt to branch out on your own. Strike up some conversations with the people you’ll be collaborating closely with. Or, ask if you can find out more about a project that they’re currently working on or if you can tag along to that meeting. Even if you don’t understand every detail of what’s being discussed, it’s still a great way to familiarise yourself with your team’s recent happenings while also establishing some bonds.
2. Write it down.
One thing is for sure – During the first few weeks of starting your new job, you will have a ton of information thrown at you from logins, office processes, who to call when your computer is playing up…. There is a lot to take in. The smartest thing would be to write all these details down. By documenting these things, you’ll have all of the information you need-to-know right at your fingertips when you inevitably need it again. This means you won’t have to pester your boss with those questions that you really should be able to answer yourself — which in turn makes you look like you’re completely on top of everything.
3. Show initiative.
Even when you make your best effort to absorb every last word that your boss or new colleagues say, you’re still bound to have a lot of questions. It’s to be expected. However, the most impressive new employees will take the time and try to find the answer themselves before approaching someone else. When you feel unclear about something, make sure you tap into the resources you have at your disposal. Flip through the company handbook or those notes you’ve been diligently taking, for example. Or, use your keen observational skills to see how the people around you are handling similar situations. This isn’t to say that you’ll never have to approach your boss with a question. But, if and when you do need to knock on his or her door? At least you’ll have as much prior knowledge under your belt as possible.
4. Follow Through
Dependability is a quality that nearly every employer looks for. There’s no better time to prove that you’re reliable than when you’re brand new. If you need to have that paperwork turned in by a certain deadline make sure you hand it in early. If there’s a meeting you’re asked to participate in then show up prepared. These things seem painfully simple. But proving that you’re dependable doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s failing to meet (or exceed!) expectations with those seemingly little things that can harm your reputation and your relationship with your boss.
Try putting these tips to work during your first few days (and through the rest of your employment!), and you’re sure to prove that you were a deserving hire.
