Congratulations! You got yourself a job. So, what next? Well, now it’s time to start said job. Yes, this is scary. So in this article we’re going to talk about the 10 things you need to remember when you start your new job, so that you are fully prepared for your first day.
- Follow the companies’ dress code
Every company has a different dress code. Some have a smart/casual approach, some want you to come to work in a suit and tie and some will have dress down Fridays. This will probably be outlined in the documents you get when you first start your job but if in doubt just always go ‘smart’.
- Make sure you have all documents you need with you
You probably had to sign a contract or similar before you come to work for your first day, so just make sure you don’t leave it at home! Keep everything you need by the door before you go to work in a folder or similar so you can grab it on your way out in the morning.
- Bring a pen and paper!
Chances are on your first day (and possibly even for your first week) you’re going to need to do some training so that you are ready to start your new job. Always bring a pen and paper so that you come across prepared and ready to start working.
- Make sure your route to work is mapped out
The last thing you need is to get lost on your way to work on your first day. Make sure you have a route planned (which bus you are going to get, how you will get there if you drive etc) so that you don’t find yourself late to work. Similarly, you need to know how to get home! The last thing you need after your first day is to jump on the wrong bus and find yourself on the other side of town to home.
- Bring lunch/money for lunch (in cash)
Many companies will have a canteen for you to get lunch in however even in today’s world not everyone has a cash machine/card reader. So make sure that at least for your first day you either have food with you or money for food so you don’t find yourself caught short at lunch time.
- Bring a bottle of water
In any work environment you’re going to want to keep hydrated, especially early on, to make sure that your brain is working at full capacity while you work. Bring a bottle of water with you and sip it at your desk/on your breaks to ensure that you keep yourself sharp.
- Get plenty of sleep
You don’t want to find yourself exhausted on your first day because you didn’t get enough sleep the night before. Get an early night so that you are well rested and able to get up for work early in the morning.
- Bring any notes with you about the job
If you have the job description, bring it with you. If you made notes in the interview, bring them with you. The more information you have about the job you are starting the less worried you are likely to be about knowing the role and the easier your first day is going to feel.
- Remember that you are new
Everyone you work with has been there considerably longer than you, so remember that you are new and keep your head down. This is especially applicable if you are starting an entry-level job. You don’t want to annoy anyone on your first day, so be polite and friendly to all your new co-workers.
- Don’t be cocky; be proud
There is a good reason you were given this job over anyone else. Be proud of your ability to impress and your interview skills and be proud of your C.V. However, don’t let this translate into cockiness through your attitude and try to be modest about how great you are (and you are!)
So now you should have some idea of the way to present yourself and prepare yourself for your first day at work. Remember that it is your first day and you are not expected to know everything straight out of the gate. People will understand that you are new, so just try to enjoy it! Good luck!
