The first day of work can be overwhelming as many do not know what to do and how to behave. At the same time, you are presented with an excellent opportunity. You have an opportunity to get off to a good start that you can build on. If you mess it up with your work colleagues right from the start, it will be difficult for you. Most will initially be neutral towards you and will therefore overlook mistakes and misunderstandings for a while. However, you should not take this for granted or even take advantage of it. If you approach the new situation with the wrong attitude, hostility will soon be felt. These are some tips to make a good impression of yours at your new job:
Be punctual and easy to get along with
Once you have found your way around the new situation, you can learn from others how punctuality, dress code, and tone are maintained. On your first day, however, you should present yourself as you would at the interview – make a good impression and don’t look like you’d rather be somewhere else.
Do not exaggerate
If you’re the confident type, don’t try to impress your colleagues by being too open with your ideas—there’ll be plenty of time for that later. No one expects you to solve all the company’s problems right away.
Ask questions
When you get an assignment, try to do it as well as you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is better to turn to colleagues when you are at a loss than to wait for the solution to fall from the sky.
Take notes
Write down everything that seems important to you – such as the names of your co-workers. It’s awkward when you’ve just spoken to someone and afterwards you have to ask someone else’s name. Also write down any rules or procedures so you don’t put your foot in it later.
Sign up voluntarily
While you start a new job, your colleagues are all busy with their own work. As a result, you might sometimes feel neglected or underutilized. It’s okay if you ask someone to do something or give them a hand. Your offer alone will make a good impression.
Be positive and let your work speak for itself instead of trying to push yourself to the fore. After a few weeks you will have gained enough self-confidence to be who you are.
Also read : 7 tips to build a network
Join the team
Show your colleagues that you are happy to be part of the team. By actively reaching out to others, you signal that you are willing to do something for the team. On your first day you will not immediately see how the group is structured or who holds which position. You can only know that after a while.
Dress appropriately
You should not dress too casually on your first day at work, as your colleagues may assume that you are not taking your new job seriously enough. Neat clothing represents efficiency and dependability, while overly casual outfits might convey that you are disorganized or sloppy. It doesn’t have to be true, but it’s the first impressions that count. Therefore, you should look particularly well-groomed on the first day of work.
At the end of the first day
Note that there are unspoken rules everywhere as to who stops working first and why. When everyone is working overtime due to a time-consuming project, your co-workers have no choice but to stay longer. Make sure you support the others until it’s time to head home. Simply leaving at the end of your official working hours will not go down well with your colleagues in such a situation.
Last but not least
Try not to be too tense or anxious on your first day. You may feel intimidated and subconsciously show it. Don’t worry too much – you will encounter many strangers, most of whom will help you because they know that the situation is not easy for you.
As a newcomer, you don’t have to worry about the usual “office gossip”. While it’s unlikely that someone will confront you with a negative comment about the company or a co-worker, if you do, just don’t respond.
Be grateful for any advice and don’t give your opinion too openly. Don’t make private phone calls and don’t extend your lunch break too long. You will be discreetly observed the entire time and you will not necessarily be alerted if you do anything wrong.
Nevertheless, you should enjoy your first day. You have the goodwill of your colleagues on your side and you are still a blank slate. What will happen next is still completely open and if you approach things positively, you can only win.