Calm the first-day jitters! 9 tips for making a great impression, a guest blog from one of our recruitment partner agencies Tiger Recruitment.
The first day of a new job can give even the most confident of people a jolt of new-kid-in-school anxiety!
This is natural and happens to all of us throughout our careers. But, with the right preparation, you can put that nervous energy to good use and make the most of the opportunities this day offers.
We’ve put together our suggested tips for recent graduates to ace their first day in a new job.
What to do the night before
A great first day begins the day before. You can’t prepare for everything, but these three aspects are in your control and will take a lot of stress off your mind – no one likes a rush in the morning!
- Plan your outfit – While there may be a growing trend of casual dress codes in offices, you should never assume that you can turn up in a t-shirt and trainers! If they haven’t already confirmed the dress code, ask your new employer beforehand. For good measure, check out your colleagues’ LinkedIn profiles or even the company’s social media accounts to see what the team are wearing.
- Plan your commute – Unless you live within view of your new office, you should plan your route. Whether you’re driving, cycling, or using public transport, travelling in any town or city is unpredictable, so you should factor in delays. Even better, have a plan B (and C!) if the best route is blocked. Making it to the office on time for your first day is crucial!
- Get a good night’s sleep – With your outfit and travel plans in place, you’ll be more able to have a full night’s sleep. Being properly rested will ensure your mind is sharp and ready to take in all the new information you’ll be learning tomorrow.
On your first day
- Introduce yourself whenever possible – you’ll likely be spending most of the day with your immediate team, and while you should try to get off on the right foot with these colleagues, don’t neglect the rest of the office. If you get the opportunity, say a quick hello to as many of your new colleagues as you can. You may not get a chance to meet everyone, but each day you’ll have a larger group greeting you with a smile as you step through the door.
- Take notes – You’ll be bombarded with a lot of new information, names, schedules, and rules on your first day, so it’s imperative that you take notes. Bring a new notepad or use the notes function on your phone or tablet; this way you can read through your notes outside of the office.
- Ask questions – Taking notes will help you remember things, but they’re no use if you don’t understand something in the first place. So don’t be hesitant to ask questions. This will show your new managers that you’re actively engaged and eager to get things right. Repeating instructions back to your manager in your own words will also help you to fully grasp any of the more difficult aspects of your new job.
- Learn the company’s values, office culture and dynamics – Many companies will have a starter pack for new employees that introduces the core values they expect employees to uphold. It’s good practice to memorise these, as management may quiz you. Equally important is understanding the office culture and dynamics – how formal or informal is the in-office chat? Do the team enjoy after-work drinks, away days, or friendly competitions? Adapting to these unspoken rules will help you avoid any faux pas.
- Say yes to lunch – The lunch break provides the perfect opportunity to get to know new colleagues more informally. You can show your personality and passions, learn theirs, and discover shared interests. The first day is also a chance to find out about and sign up for upcoming social events.
- Get to grips with the software – If possible, find out from your employer beforehand which computer programmes you’ll be using. There are countless instructional videos and blogs online for every piece of software out there, and studying these will give you a head start when you come to use them in the office. Asking others on your team for any tips and tricks will also help you become a pro in no time.
Getting off on the right foot with your colleagues, setting up productive habits, and showing your eagerness to learn all make for a highly successful first day in a new job. Cultivating these over the coming weeks and months will grow your self-confidence, reputation, and career.
Tiger Recruitment is a leading recruitment agency in London, Dubai, Zurich, and New York City. We specialise in connecting jobseekers with employers of choice in business support, HR, finance, and private households. Sign up to our email newsletter to be notified about new job vacancies and other tips for graduates.