Starting a New Job: 5 Tips for Getting Ready

November 6, 2008 on 2:20 pm | In New Job | No Comments

First day at work can be a nerve-wracking experience. Will your coworkers view you positively or negatively? Will you like the new environment? Will you end the day with flying colors? Here are 5 tips to help you out on your first day at work, especially if you’re in a people or managerial type of job.

1. Get to know the people

Getting to know the people you’re going to work with is the first thing you must do in your first day. You need to do this to build up a good relationship. Trust is the name of the game here. How can you trust your coworker with a really important task if you know little about him/her? How can your superior assign you any responsibility if he/she doesn’t trust you in the first place? Getting to know your coworkers is especially important if you’re a manager, as you’ll need their full support if something needs to get done.

2. Smile and be enthusiastic

You’re going to your new job and not to your dentist. So smile and be enthusiastic. Your new job signals the opening of a new, great chapter of your life. Show your joy by letting your coworkers know and feel that you’re happy to work with them. Extend your hand if they need anything and show them your desire for continuous learning and improvement.

3. Dress up

First impression lasts. This is especially true in the workplace. Make a good impression so that your coworkers won’t wonder whether you’re reliable when something needs to be accomplished. Wearing t-shirt and jeans is perfectly OK if you’re in a technical job, but if you’re the new manager and you’re going to deal with your boss and clients, expect that those people will be overly annoyed if you’re attending a meeting wearing a casual t-shirt.

4. Review relevant materials

You have to show to your coworkers that you’re familiar with general areas of your tasks. Your coworkers might be turned off if you don’t pick up instructions quickly. Review relevant materials to prepare you for your first day. Don’t afraid to ask questions if you don’t know what to do. Make sure that your coworkers recognize your willingness to learn.

5. Do your job well

You were employed to perform certain tasks. All your efforts are wasted if you’re not able to contribute to your organization’s welfare. Prove to them that you’re worth their time and investment.