Well done, you got the job! O dear, now comes the hard part. Grit your teeth, brace yourself you are facing the horror that is the first day in a new job.
It does not matter if you are a CEO or an office junior the first day in a new job can be a nerve wracking experience.
However, with a bit of forethought and some preparation you can beat those first day blues.
RECHARGE If possible take some time off between finishing your old job and starting your new one. Even a couple of days will help you make a mental break with your old position and help focus your mind on your new role and the fresh challenges it presents.
PLAN Get familiar with your route into work. Try to have a “dry run” for the journey so you know exactly what time to leave home. Prepare for all eventualities. Have a back up travel plan just in case there are traffic delays or cancelled trains. One of very worst things you can do is turn up late on your first day
DRESS Think about what you are going to wear. It is best to be conservative until you figure out what is appropriate in your new office and what is not. You can always soften your look once you get the lay of the land. Get everything you need ironed, pressed and ready to go the night before so you don’t have to bother with it in the morning.
SMILE First impressions count. Be friendly and smile at everyone from the receptionist to the CEO. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember you are new, people don’t expect you to know everything. You are better off getting it right from the start than having to correct mistakes later.
QUIET It is ok to bring experience from your previous job, after all that is why you were hired in the first place but don’t compare or complain about how things are done in your new job. Expressions like “that is not how we did it in my old company” won’t do you any favours.
OBSERVE Pay attention to gossip but don’t contribute to it. Find out who has authority and who has not. Watch for the cliques at work and try not to align yourself with any factions until you know who is who and what is what.
The first day in a new job is not a million miles away from your first day at school. You may be older and wise but the same fears and worries apply. Will you fit in? Will you like your new colleagues? Will they like you?
Cheer yourself up by reminding yourself that the company selected you – you are the best person for the job.
And remember the only answer to the question “how are you finding it? is “marvellous!”
Marie Reilly
This article may contain 3rd party information which CaribbeanJobs.com has approval to use
