Youth Incorporated Magazine

The first day at a new job or an internship can be quite nerve-wracking and stressful. You might have been in this line for a long time but a change in locations and people can naturally make you nervous. For long we have been taught about the importance of first impressions, the quotes on this issue might seem to have been reciprocated over and over but they still stand firm. The first impression should be your best impression as most people are going to retain this impression of you for a long time. 

Here are a few hacks to make sure you rock your first day.

Show up on time:

Punctuality can speak volumes about your dedication to a job. Showing up an hour early than required might be overkill but 15 minutes before your appointment might be the sweet spot. Making your appointment wait on you is not going to set a good impression. Mapping out the best route to get to your place of work before-hand is a smart move. Planning your commute can let you keep a check on when you should leave and how long it will take you to get there. Another tactic you can use is to do a test run on a weekday. Just to let you know what the traffic is going to be like and to get you accustomed to the commute, this way on your first you won’t be rushing around, confused and will know exactly what to do.

Research your office and coworkers:

This is a very crucial manoeuvre to ensure a smooth first day. Similar to how you might google new people before meeting them face to face, researching your place of work and your co-workers could help you out. Research into your place of work, it’s business interests or maybe its recent successes and losses exhibit your interest and dedication. This research will also help you in developing good working relationships with your colleagues. This does not mean cyberstalking people, it is only to give you points to talk about, with people with relevant interests so you can connect with them better. A good conversation on your first day will make sure people remember you and be open to connecting with you.

Ask all your queries:

On your first day don’t lean toward “fakin’ it till you make it”, this is an overrated piece of advice. Ask all your questions and take notes. The more information you get, the better. The company expects you to know a lot of stuff down the line and rather than risking it later, get all your questions cleared upfront before it’s too late. Whilst some may consider it embarrassing to question your colleagues on the first day, this might set a great example and will act as a testament to your dedication to the job and also showcase your humility. Your questions could range from figuring out the company’s network access and software access to the coffee situation in the college. This will also leave you feeling a lot more relaxed, you won’t have to be worried about new situations as they keep popping up.

Network over meals:

A meal with your colleagues can be the most redeeming experience. On your first day if you’re lucky enough, accept that lunch invitation from your colleagues or your boss. Talking to people over a meal builds a bond that is only going to help you in the future. Lunch is a great opportunity to connect with them over a more casual setting. Observe and remember the discussions and the people this will make it easier for you to identify who to approach for what.

Stay prepared to work hard:

On the first day of the job, your assignments might become unpredictable. A few bosses might like to start you off by dunking you into the deep end of the pool. This means they might throw you in the fire on your first day of the job to test how you work and if you break under pressure. On your first day, you need to be prepared not just physically but also mentally to handle the work and prove your mettle, but at the same time, it’s equally important to set boundaries during your initial days. Setting boundaries is important to prevent burnout. Burnout will result in you becoming underproductive. You need to keep checking in with yourself and make sure you don’t take on more than you can finish.

The first day at a new job whilst nerve-racking is also an opportunity for you to reinvent yourself. Set new routines, pick up something you’ve wanted to do for a long time but haven’t been able to. It gives you the freedom to discover new possibilities. You can ace your first day at work with just a couple of tips and keeping an open mind, the rest is going to be a breeze.