Jobhop Jobhop's blog : 10 Tips to Help You Nail Your First Day at Work

So you've powered your way through all of the interview stages and you've been awarded the job or placement that you really, really wanted. So that's the hard part out of the way, right?

Well...yes and no. While it's great that you got the job you were crazy about, you now have to actually do the job and impress the people you're going to be spending a fair bit of time with.

To help you, we've put together our 10 top tips to help you cruise through your first day at work and the early days of your new career...

Tip number 1 -

Get your sleep in - This seems obvious but if you're tired on your first day, you're unlikely to perform at your best. So get a few good nights' sleep before you roll up to make sure you don't fall asleep halfway through your first day.

Tip number 2 -

Set out what you need the night before - The last thing you want to do is be late for your first day on the job, so make your morning routine as smooth as possible by preparing the night before. Make sure your shirt is ironed and your shoes are shined. Lay out what you're going to wear and set more than one alarm so you definitely wake up on time.

Tip number 3 -

Refresh your memory - Before you start your first day, you'll want to have as much research about your company and how it operates as possible. There is a lot that you'll learn in the coming weeks, but know as much as you can about the business and the key people within before your first day. Scan past press releases or articles about the company, read every page on their website, see what they're doing on social media. The amount of information you can find out about your new company is probably more than you would have thought!

Tip number 4 -

Dress for success - When you meet your colleagues for the first time, they won't have much to go on when sizing you up and they're more than likely to look at what you're wearing for clues on your personality. This is why what you wear on your first day is such a big part of the first impression you make. You won't want to dress in a way that makes you stand out too much - either too casually or too formally. If you managed to get a glimpse of your co-workers when you were interviewed, that should have given you a clue as to what the standard is. If you don't have a clue, email your supervisor or manager at least a few days before to ask what people usually wear, then aim for the closest to that.

For some inspiration, check out our blog post on Looking Good For an Interview on a Budget.

Tip number 5 -

Aim to arrive 10 minutes early - Again, you definitely do not want to be late on your first day. It might be a good idea to do a practice of your commute in the week before your start day, especially if you'll be using public transport. This way you will feel more comfortable about where you're going and how long it takes to get there. Make sure to do your trial run at the same time you'll actually be setting off on your first day in order to see what the traffic conditions are like.

Unexpected obstacles may arise on the morning of your first day so aim to leave earlier than need be. This way you have a cushion if you are delayed; you don't want to walk in all worked up from driving like a crazy person in a desperate race against time. If you get there too early, just take a moment to collect yourself in your vehicle or in the toilet before making your way to your new workplace.

Tip number 6 -

Carry yourself with confidence - You're obviously going to be nervous, but try to give off a relaxed and confident vibe. Think to yourself that in a competitive job market, you've landed this position, they must think you have what it takes to succeed if you apply yourself and have a lot to offer. Even if you don't feel a certain way, if you act like you do, your brain will soon catch up with your behaviour - so act calm, collected and soon you will feel that way too.

Tip number 7 -

Bring tablets - Getting a migraine on your first day would be unfortunate, but if it's a less severe headache or some manageable cramps, you don't want to cut out early on your first day so tablets will always come in handy.

Tip number 8 -

Take notes - From your co-workers names to where certain files are located, people are going to be dumping a whole lot of information on your from the word go. So carry a pocket notebook with you wherever you go and take lots of notes. These notes will be invaluable to you later, and will keep you from having to ask as much questions. Also, be sure to take note of peoples names and roles and study them...Being able to recite people's names right off the bat is a great way to build rapport.

Tip number 9 -

Introduce yourself - Your boss or supervisor may take you around to meet your new co-workers, but even if they do, they may not introduce you to everyone, so take the initiative in meeting others yourself. Don't put that obligation on your co-workers - remember, you're coming into their territory, not the other way round. One of the keys to success in your new job will be networking with others, building trust with you colleagues and learning how to operate as a team.

You don't have to have a long or deep conversation with them as they probably have plenty to do, but ask them things like what they do in their position and how long they've been on the job.

Tip number 10 -

Have fun! - This is the most important tip of all. It may be a bit too soon to play pranks in the office, but make sure you don't forget to enjoy your time at work. Have a laugh with your colleagues, join in with team socials and office activities and build relationships with your colleagues.