Getting a Job

What To Do On Your First Day At Work

July 24, 2015 /

Here are 19 things you should do on your first day at work:

  1. Prepare and ask questions
  • “Generally, you’re trying to demonstrate your curiosity and desire to learn. Beware of asking too many questions on the first day, though. You have plenty of time to master the job.” – Mark Strong
  1. Prepare an elevator pitch
  • Get ready to give a 30 second speak which explains who you are and where you were before, as many new colleagues will likely ask about your previous place of employment.
  1. Show up early
  • Get there at least 15 minutes early. “If you haven’t done the commute before, practice it a couple of times during rush house a week before so that you’re at least somewhat prepared for the unknown” – Teri Hockett
  1. Figure out the social landscape
  • Two of the more important factors in succeeding at a job are to not only get along with your co-workers, but also to associate with the right ones.
  1. Relax
  • While you’re being strategic, also remember to relax on your first day so that you can optimize your productivity. “Make sure you’re well rested, prepared, and have every reason to be on time. This is a visible milestone, and you want to be at your best.” – Lynn Taylor
  1. Smile
  • “it may have taken awhile to reach this point, after searching, interviewing, and landing the job, so don’t forget to be happy and enjoy the moment” – Teri Hockett
  1. Look and play the part
  • “This is not a good time to show that you’re so relaxed that you can walk around with your coffee mug, be a phenomenal joke-teller, or wax on about the day’s major business headlines” Lynn Taylor
  1. Don’t be shy
  • Make a point to reach out and introduce yourself to others.
  1. Don’t try too hard
  • The urge to impress can take you off-track, so remember that you’re already hired.
  1. Don’t turn down lunch
  • “If you’re offered to go have lunch with your new boss and co-workers, go.” – Teri Hockett
  1. Listen and observe
  • The best thing anyone can do in the first few days of a new job is “listen, listen, and listen” – Mark Strong
  1. Pay attention to how decisions are made
  • In listening and observing, you should also be able to learn the decision-making process.
  1. Talk to peers
  • One of the most invaluable insights you can get early on is how the department operates from the perspective of your peers.
  1. Project high energy
  • You will be observed more in your early days from an external standpoint
  1. Learn the professional rules
  • On your first day, your employer will have a description of your responsibilities.
  1. Put your cell phone on silent
  • You need to be 100% present at work, especially on your first day.
  1. Show interest
  • You’ll likely be introduced to many people, and while they may make the first attempt to learn a little about you, make an effort to find out about them.
  1. Pay attention to your body language
  • Your body language makes up the majority of your communications in the workplace. Assess what you’re communicating to better understand how other my perceive you, and make any necessary adjustments.
  1. Be yourself
  • “Think of ways to be relaxed and project yourself as who you are” – Lynn taylor