When you get hired into a new job there are certain things that you may or may not expect depending on where you get hired. The process of going through the interview, and then waiting for the phone call that brings you on the edge of whether or not you’ve gotten the job. All of which can be a long and exhausting task. Once that phone call does come however the feeling is a sweet, sweet relief! Then of course comes the wondering period. What is it going to be like? How do I need to dress? What type of tasks can I expect from this new job? Well, here are a few things that you can do to help prepare for the first few days of a new job.
Dress Appropriately!
I don’t care if it is for orientation at a fast food restaurant, potential employers prefer to see someone that is well put together. This means NO JEANS OR FLIP FLOPS!!!!Be Polite!
Just because you’ve been called in for orientation, don’t think that you can throw your manners out the door. Employers are still watching to see if you are going to change, or act differently simply because you’ve been given the job.
Listen, Listen, Listen!!!
I’ve trained so many people over the last few years that, despite being new to a job, decide they don’t want to listen to what I’m telling them about the job they will be doing. If you get a job, pay attention to the person who is training you please!
Stay Off Of Your Phone!
One of the worst things you can do at a new job is constantly be on your phone. Even seasoned employees get in trouble for having their phones out during work hours! If you must have it out, please make sure it is for emergency reasons and your employer is aware.
Make An Effort.
Make an effort to take on tasks without being asked. Act like you want to be there, even if you don’t.
Prove Everyone Wrong
When you begin a new job, every current employee either loves you or hates you for one of two reasons. They either love you because you will be taking some of the weight off of their shoulders, or they hate you for fear of losing hours. Unfortunately, most think that you are there to take away their hours. Prove to them that you are worth training, and that you are not going to be just another person passing through. Mainly, the goal is to prove that you are worth training.
Don’t Ask Off
I beg of you, please do not go into a job and immediately ask off for some mediocre thing that you could miss easily. If it’s something that you absolutely can’t miss, give the employer a heads up during orientation when they ask your availability.
Don’t Ask For a Raise!
While I understand the need to make money, don’t ask for a raise when you’ve only been somewhere for less than a month. It is tactless for one, and if they think you deserve a raise, they will likely give you one.
Don’t Trash Other Employee's
If you don’t like a certain employee, keep it to yourself. When you enter into a new job, you are the odd man/woman out. Most places have employees that have been there for years, and over those years the employees have become a family. If you talk bad about one person, the rest will find out and it is likely that they will then turn your workplace life upside down.Don’t Be Late
At a new job, actions are key! Being late to a new job screams bad ethics. Employers will look at it as a lack of regard for the position you’ve been given. In some places there is a right to work clause, which means employers don’t really need a reason to get rid of you in the first 90 days.
Enjoy the Job
Most of the points I’ve made have been about what not to do. My final point is about what to do. Enjoy the job you’ve been given, train how to do the tasks and go in with a positive attitude. Make the opportunity yours, and make it an enjoyable one.
Going into a new job is never easy, it comes with bumps and often causes stress to all of the people involved. Just remember to be nice to the person that is taking the time out of their busy day to show you the ins and outs of the business and that without them you would be lost. Treat the person who trains you with respect and thank them for teaching you.
