You have successfully passed all the torturous stages of job search, finally received an offer and now you’re ready to show your best at a new job. However, there is one thing that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable -what would your first day at new job be like?
Even if you’ve experienced switching jobs multiple times, you are still vulnerable to changing your social circle and common everyday rituals. Clearly, the adjusting process might be nerve-racking but there are certain tips on what to do on your first day of work that may help you to survive this it with minimum stress.
Take it easy
According to Delloitte survey, almost 8% of all sick leaves are mental health related. You should consider this fact and take care of your mental health while adjusting at a new workplace.
It is obvious that you’re being pushed out of your comfort zone and it is absolutely normal to feel a bit nervous about new job. But if your hands are shaking, armpits are sweating and your heart is ready to pump out of your chest – you’re totally overreacting. To help yourself loosen up and have a good day at work use this breathing technique – on inhale count to 4, then exhale to the same count. Repeat this pattern several times. See, you’re starting to get better!
Don’t stand out
On your 1st day in office, don’t act like you’re the smartest person in the room. It is not necessary to stick out all your talents even if you consider yourself to be more experienced than your new colleagues. Even if you really want to demonstrate your professionalism do more observation first and express your opinion very carefully, especially if no one is asking for it. It is much more important to prove that you are interested in the work, you are not skiving and able to learn new things.
Remember the names
Your main task is to remember everyone and to understand who is in charge of what in order to ensure further successful interaction. Colleagues also need to remember you and understand what questions they can address to you according to your professional responsibilities.
Explore social landscape
On the first day, the main thing is your self-presentation and acquaintance with the team. Try to remember names and positions of your closest colleagues. It's even better to write it down briefly. If you forgot someone's name, ask again immediately. It is absolutely normal to forget someone if you were introduced to twenty people in a few hours. Make sure that:
- you’ve been added to the certain channel or group if the company is using messengers;
- there are documents that regulate the work of the department and your rights in particular;
- other useful documentation can be provided if necessary.
Ask your colleagues if there is a good diner near your office and join them during the lunch break. During the lunch try to participate actively in the discussion. Lunch is a very important part of teamwork; many ideas come to one’s mind in an informal atmosphere while white walls of the meeting room may not cause a splash of creativity.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Ask questions. There is no particular list of questions to ask on first day of job. Ask about everything that you are not sure of. Even if it seems to you that these questions are stupid, remember, you have all the rights - you are a newbie here! It is better to figure out how something works now than when it might be inappropriate. Your co-workers perfectly understand that you are a newcomer and they are waiting for you to be inquisitive.
Accept your status
If you have switched a job and your responsibilities are completely new to you, don’t be ashamed to ask a colleague to give you a step-by-step instruction. It does not have to be your supervisor or someone whose position is higher. Perhaps, it would be more useful to talk with someone who holds the same position as you. After such conversations, you will receive a more clear picture of local workflows: how everything happens, how much it costs, how much time it takes, etc. If you are a manager, such conversations will help you in process optimization.
Conclusion
Usually, only by the end of the probation period, everything becomes clear. Only after three months (and sometimes six) you’re starting to be taken seriously, especially if you are a young specialist. This rule also works in the opposite direction: colleagues become aware of who you are and whether you can be trusted and relied on.
Remember, people around you can’t read your mind and if they don’t understand something – it doesn’t mean that they’re stupid. Be precise and try to explain the problem as carefully as possible. Jokes, by the way, be extra careful with jokes!
In addition, one more important thing. The main reason you came to this company is work, not love affair or ability to make jokes and please others. Your manager will be the first to review your results, so try to do your best. Be polite and favorable but don’t cross the line. This is the best way to adjust at a new work environment and become a successful team member.
