Your first day at a new job can be an exciting, terrifying, and nerve-racking experience. First impressions are everything, and you want to show your new boss and coworkers that you are up for this new challenge. To get the most out of your first day and impress your colleagues, come prepared. Know what to bring on your first day of work and prepare your first day at work outfit the night before. Learn as much as you can about the company before your first day and follow our first day of work advice.
First Day Tip #1: Arrive Early
There’s nothing worse than showing up late on your very first day, so aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are not familiar with the commute, practice it a few times during rush hour the week before, so you know what to expect. Check the weather report and leave earlier if the forecast calls for adverse weather conditions.
First Day Tip #2: Dress Appropriately
What you wear says a lot about you, and your first day at work outfit can make or break the impression you leave behind, even if you say all the right things. Make sure you know the dress code and wear your most polished clothes the first few days on the job to demonstrate your professionalism and impress your new office mates.
First Day Tip #3: Have a Positive Attitude
People want to be around positive people. Show up and demonstrate your enthusiasm and gratitude for having the opportunity to work for that organization. After all, you’ve worked so hard to secure this position, show the company leaders that you are genuinely excited to dive in and begin work. Don’t complain about any tasks you are assigned, but tackle them with eagerness.
First Day Tip #4: Be Organized and Take Notes
There will be a lot of information thrown at you on your first day of work, it can be easy to forget a little tidbit of valuable information. When preparing what to bring on your first day of work, pack a small notebook and pen that you can carry everywhere you go. Be diligent in taking notes and write down important information like the reporting structure or colleagues names so you won’t forget. Keep your desk free of clutter and organize your notes so you can easily refer back to them if you have a question.
First Day Tip #5: Ask Questions
It can be tempting to use the “fake it ‘til you make it” method when you’re new to a company. However, pretending like you know everything won’t set you up for success. There will be new processes and methods of communication that you may not be familiar with. If you have a question, now is the time to ask. You are only the newbie for a short time, so take advantage and learn as much as you possibly can on your first few days on the job.
First Day Tip #6: Take Initiative
Your boss will likely assign you a few small tasks on your first day to get your feet wet. Once you complete those tasks, don’t just sit in your cubicle waiting for the next task. It can be easy to get lost in the shuffle, but you will make a great impression if you take the initiative and ask for more work. This will show that you are a team player, willing and ready to jump in and take action whenever necessary.
First Day Tip #7: Socialize
Your first day is when your office relationships begin. If somebody extends an invitation to go to lunch, take it. If your team is part of a softball league or does karaoke on Wednesday nights, join them. This is a crucial time where you can establish working relationships that will benefit you in the future. If you forget someone’s name on the first day, don’t be afraid to ask. This is the only time you’ll be able to admit that you are inundated with names, and seem to have forgotten theirs. Nobody will fault you for asking on your first day, but don’t let it go any longer than that.
First Day Tip #8: Avoid Gossip and Office Politics
While it’s important to socialize, steer clear of spreading rumors or gossip about people. You don’t want to start off with a reputation as the office gossip. If you hear two people are in the midst of a feud at the office, don’t take sides. Get to know each person individually and form your own opinions about their personality and character.
First Day Tip #9: Learn the Landscape
Once you know where your cubicle or office is located, get familiar with your surroundings. Learn where the kitchen is, how to make the coffee, where the best lunch spot is located. The faster you can learn these things and get familiar with your new office, the more you will feel at home. As you are learning about your surroundings, it’s essential to learn the ins and outs of your team. Does the team prefer to communicate using Google Chat over emails? This is an important thing to learn to help make your transition as seamless as possible.
First Day Tip #10: Relax
Last, but not least, take a minute to relax and enjoy the moment. You’ve worked hard to get this job, you’ve prepared, and dazzled your coworkers on your first day. It’s time to take a deep breath, relax, recharge, and get ready to do it all again tomorrow.
If you’re still looking for the perfect job in pharma advertising or medical communications, GLE Creative Talent is here to help. Reach out and learn how we can empower your job search and be sure to come back to this page once you’ve secured a position to help prepare you for your first day of work.