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Survival tips for your first day at your new job

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If you’re dreading your first official day at work, don’t worry—it’s like that for everyone. It doesn’t matter how many different places you’ve worked at or how many times you’ve had those first day jitters, it never gets any easier. After a lengthy interview process, lots of forms to fill and plenty of contracts to sign, the last thing you want to do is let all of that effort go to waste by screwing up your first day at work.

First impressions are extremely important in almost every aspect of life and your job is absolutely not an exception. Even if you know the people at your workplace or your friend is the boss, you want to try your hardest during your first week. Put in the work, set the tone for the rest of your career at your workplace, and you’ll be getting a promotion and salary raises faster than you could imagine.

 

  1. Dress appropriately

When you come into your workplace for an interview, check out what people are wearing. You’re probably going into an interview with a suit and tie, but if everyone around you is wearing a shirt and casual pants, then you need to try and fit in and feel comfortable as soon as possible. Don’t expect your employer to demand you wear a suit every day of the week. Show that you feel comfortable in your workplace by coming in with a pair of dickies pants and a casual shirt and tie. Carry your suit with you, but unless it’s cold then don’t expect to wear it at all times.

  1. Don’t try too hard

You don’t want to be “that” worker in the office that tries too hard to impress. Relax. If someone speaks to you, speak back politely and keep a casual tone. Don’t ask too many questions unless needed, and treat people with respect. Don’t take on extra work if it’s not asked of you, but do offer to help in a calm and modest voice if you see someone struggling and you have nothing better to do. You want to show your colleagues that you’re reliable, but you don’t want to overextend yourself and act like you want to take over their jobs. Remain conservative, stay alerted for opportunities to interact with your co-workers, and try to blend in.

  1. Don’t stay too relaxed

You don’t want your employer or colleagues to spot you lounging in your chair if you have nothing to do or no work has been assigned to you. Remain vigilant at all times and stay focused on your job. If you need assistance, talk with a senior member of staff (they will most likely introduce themselves to you) or try and remain productive. Keep your back straight when you sit and don’t slouch over your keyboard as if you are at home.

  1. Get to know your co-workers, but don’t pester them

You want to try and learn the names of your co-workers as quickly as possible. Try to speak with them at any opportunity, but don’t pester them or interrupt their work. If you catch someone in your department getting up for a cup of coffee, then perhaps that’s a good time to grab yourself a drink and introduce yourself. Don’t be shy, but don’t be too outgoing to a point that you’re an annoyance. Preferably, your co-workers will approach you and introduce themselves to the newcomer, but there are times when you’ll have to take the initiative.

Have you got any stories about your first day at work? Share with us all in the comments below.

Career CamelSurvival tips for your first day at your new job

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