Your very first day at a job/internship may seem terrifying. New place, new people, and a new culture. Here are some tips I’ve used to help ease the nerves when settling into a new workplace.
1. Show up early
Memorize this: "early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable"... especially on your first day at work. You should not show up extremely early; however, you should give yourself 15 minutes to meet with your supervisor and plan out your first day.
2. Be prepared to shake a lot of hands
First impressions really matter in the workplace; therefore, it is imperative that you are ready to put on a happy, confident face and meet your new coworkers. You may be shocked by the amount of people who come to greet you, but always remember that every person you meet may become a useful connection in the future.
3. Pay attention!
This one sounds like a given, but I am not just talking about paying attention in general. Little details will be thrown at you by supervisors and coworkers throughout the day, so be sure to fully listen to everything.
4. Learn how to dress the part
You probably wore your nicest black suit for the interview, but now you’re starting to notice that the dress codes change in your new workplace, especially nowadays when casual Friday could be every day. Be observant and look at the styles of your co-workers. Build your wardrobe accordingly to look semi-uniformed with everyone else (if they’re business casual, try to do the same). Having your own style is absolutely encouraged; however, make sure that you are appropriately dressed with the company dress code.
5. Familiarize yourself with the company’s technology
Find some time in your busy first day to talk to the IT department about the company’s technology. Impress your supervisor by taking the initiative to ensure that you have all the appropriate apps and technological accessories to help you succeed in the workplace.
6. Ask questions
Your first day is definitely going to be a learning experience. From working the copy machine to finding the best lunch spots, be sure to ask questions about anything that comes to mind. The chances are high that you will find someone who will be happy to show you around and give you great tips and tricks.
7. Set goals & objectives
This is the time to meet with your supervisor and create your goals and objectives for a specific amount of time. Starting your new job with an organized to-do list will help you feel less overwhelmed and more confident to accomplish everything.
8. Be excited and optimistic
New job = fresh start. It’s time to make a name for yourself at your newest job. You may feel extremely nervous at first, but remember that every coworker you meet went through a first day at some point in their life. Be optimistic for a successful work future, and it may just happen for you!
