Congratulations on your new job! Do you feel intimidated and overwhelmed? Are you not sure what to expect? Well, we are here to prepare you for your first day. Starting a new job can be stressful; you will not only receive a large amount of fresh information at once, but you will also have to obtain it efficiently. You have probably met some of your colleagues, however there will be plenty of names to learn and remember. To be successful, both professionally and socially, you must master the corporate culture including lingo, dress code and manners. Here are 5 steps to prepare you for this new, exciting chapter:
- Start before you start
Even if you haven’t officially started yet, there are plenty of preparations you can do to make sure everything runs smoothly on your first day. Contact your manager for suggestions on how to prepare; whether it's through social media or a link to the company's website, learning more about how the company functions and reading more about the team is valuable.
- Talk to friends and family
Talking to someone about starting a new job could be quite helpful. Chances are they can provide tips and tricks while sharing their own experiences on the topic. Knowing what to do and what not to do will help you feel more confident, and you'll be able to make better decisions in your new employment.
- Do a test run of everything
There’s no such thing as being too prepared. If you have to commute, think about transportation and go to your location to check how long the trip will take. If you work remotely, test your internet connection, software and any other equipment the job requires. Not only will this help you appear more professional; you will also be able to relax on the big day and focus on other tasks… and remember; on time is late!
- Have a positive attitude
We all know that starting a new job can cause unnecessary stress. Overthinking is your worst enemy in this case, so it’s important to remember that you have landed the job and that the company chose you for a reason. Developing an attitude for gratitude can boost your confidence and remind you that everyone has been ‘the new guy’ at some point. Believe in yourself - you’ve got this!
- Listen and learn
The first few weeks in your new job often comes with a steep learning curve. Take notes, but also prepare to ask questions to show that you’re motivated and excited. As much as you’d like to take in all the information at once, it’s important to remember that you need to process it as well. You’re not expected to learn everything on the get-go, and dedicating time will make you a valuable team member from the start.
Hopefully you feel better about starting your new job. The workplace atmosphere and your coworkers will become more familiar as you settle into your new position, and you'll quickly get into the swing of things. Make sure to follow our socials for more helpful career tips and tricks!
