You are finally through the test and the last grueling interview. Now the next ordeal that you will face is your first day at the new job. Doesn't everyone just hate those first days? You feel so lost, new place, new faces, new ways... You perhaps smile hesitantly and shyly enquire about the whereabouts of the toilet, the water cooler, the coffee vending machine.
But it need not be all that bad. This is one test you can pass with flying colours if you follow these suggestions.
Dress well and be punctual It's your first day, and you will certainly have many eyes on you, so dress aptly. Don't be too loud in the way you dress nor too submissive. But be quality-conscious, smart and subtle in the colour and style of your clothing. The importance of punctuality on the first day cannot be missed. You wouldn't want to start your brilliant stint in the organisation on the wrong foot!
Don't introduce yourself Avoid going about introducing yourself, you will most certainly be branded a braggart. But when your neighbour lends a friendly hand, don't miss the opportunity. You are likely to learn most about what's doing the office rounds through him/her.
Don't be over friendly Refrain from being over friendly on the first day. Be extremely observant. Look around and find out who's who and who does what. This way you can make sure you avoid the blunder of giving your boss a friendly pat the back.
Look confident Appear confident even if you are nervous. First impression is generally the last, and you don't want yourself to be remembered as shy and hesitant.
Keep to your desk and look busy Sit on your desk even if it only means twiddling your thumbs. Going out often for a tea or coffee break or for a smoke might score negatively. And if a senior passes by, concentrate on the computer screen, make notes and look busy and absorbed in work.
Lunching If you have brought along a packed lunch, wait for someone to invite you to join them. If nobody does that, enquire for the cafeteria and look for a relatively empty place, but don't gobble your food. If you are going out to eat, try inviting your neighbour and if you are going out alone, remember not to take too long.
Don't look at the holiday list The worst thing you can do on a first day is to pore over you holiday list. Just joined and already waiting for time off? That wouldn't look too good.
Don't entertain personal calls You are bound to get personal calls to find out how you are doing on your first day. Keep the calls short, you are here to work and it should show.
Enquire if in doubt Enquire, if you are in the slightest of doubt, even if it embarrasses you to the roots. It is certainly better to blush a little than to delete some important office files by mistake, or enter the wrong room.
Don't leave early Well, it's your first day, and you certainly shouldn't be the first one to leave. Watch some people leave then reach out for your bag, but don't look too eager.
And don't worry, there is only one first day. The second day onwards, things can only get better as you find your way around and make some friends too!
