Conquer Your First Day of Work
PSA to our post-grad students! Starting a full-time job?! Not sure how to best prepare for that first day looming over your head?! Keep reading here to find out everything you need to know to leave a positive impression and succeed through all components of your role…
AND… if you’re still looking for a job, have no fear! Check out our open jobs list HERE!
Let’s Prep: Day 1 Addition…
Night and Week Before:
- Practice Transportation: If your new position requires travel to an unfamiliar area or city, we recommend practicing your route to work beforehand. That way, you won’t run into any commute-related surprises on your first day!
- Elevator Pitch: Let’s be honest, you’ll likely be meeting new people all day on your first day on the job. In order to leave a positive and well-thought-out impression, try to loosely prepare a casual “elevator pitch” to share with those you meet – think of it as a brief introduction of why you’re there, what you’re doing, and who you are!
- Relaxation: Your next day is going to be jam-packed whether you’re working from home or going to the office, so remember to allow for some relaxation the night before! Whether this means a movie night, meditation, bath, face mask, hearty meal, or even a glass of wine, allow for some self-indulgence.
- Layout Your Outfit: The last thing your morning needs is a scramble of what to wear. Layout any clothing, shoes, or accessories (even if it’s a briefcase) that you plan to wear the next day. This will decrease the time it takes you to get ready the next morning and will also diminish any anxiousness.
- Set Alarms! Set two! Set three! Set four! Anything you need to do to completely ensure that you will wake up at the exact time you have set.
Morning of:
- Timeliness: The first day means… first impressions! There is no easier way to increase your first impression in a positive way than showcasing your preparation by arriving early. Yes, this means getting out of bed earlier than usual, and leaving your home early too! As we’ve said in the past, if you’re on time, you’re late. Trust us, it’ll pay off.
- Be Extra Aware of Attitude and Tone: Walk in with a smile! All of your hard work has paid off and you are finally starting your new job. Look excited, engaged, motivated, and ready to become emerged in your new role. Also, make sure you are using a tone that showcases excitement.
- Be Friendly! We encourage you to make the first move and initiate a conversation with those around you. Say “Hi,” ask how people’s day is, and make an effort to meet the people you will be working with. If it helps, plan out some common questions to ask others (conversation starters) beforehand. Everyone loves to feel valued!
- Active Listening: On your first day, remember that you are a sponge! Take in any information offered to you by your supervisor, hiring manager, or co-workers. As a newbie, it will help you immensely to gain any intellect that you can (be cautious of company-specific acronyms).
- Accept Lunch: More times than not, lunch will be offered to you on your first day, or there will be a cafeteria to purchase food in. Take advantage of this time to socialize with new coworkers and become immersed in your new setting! Packing snacks are okay, but try to avoid preparing an entire meal.
However, if you’re still looking for that new position… check out our open jobs list!