The First-Day Starter Pack

The First-Day Starter Pack

By Geneva Nodland

So, it's your first day at the new job; you stacked your resume full of accomplishments, made the leap and applied, successfully completed the interview process, received the congratulatory call-back, and maybe even negotiated your salary—you've done it all to get to this moment right here, the first day.

But, are you ready?

If you go to your trusty search engine, Google, and begin to type, "what to do on your fi—" the very first auto-fills says, "what to do on your first day of work," beating out "what to do on your first date," and "what to do on your first day at the gym," and even "what to do on your first anniversary." So, you're not alone in wondering what exactly you should or shouldn't be doing on your first day. Yes, you've secured the job, but what's next?

Well, readers, friends, newly hired, you've come to the right place. Check out our first-day starter pack—your guide to the dos and don'ts of the first day at the new job—check it out!

Whether you're starting your first job or your tenth, the first day can be a blend of excitement and nerves, and it's not just about doing the right things, but also avoiding the wrong ones.

Universal Tips

Do: Be Punctual

Why? First impressions last. Arriving on time (or a little early) shows reliability.

BUT: There is simply no need to arrive more than 15 minutes early, be for real.

Tip! If you're nervous about timing your commute just right, plan ahead! Take a drive before your first day to map your route, parking, and, of course, the best coffee spot on the way.

Don't: Shy Away from Asking Questions

Why? Questions demonstrate engagement and a willingness to learn.

BUT: Don't make them hold your hand. You got the job, they trust that you know what you're doing.

Tip! Asking a question is the best icebreaker. From asking about the coffee maker to how to navigate the time tracking portal—why not make a friend on your first day and ask a coworker?

Do: Dress Appropriately

Why? Dressing for the role demonstrates professionalism.

BUT: While decades ago it may have been about blending in and not standing out in your typical job, the reins tend to be a bit looser nowadays when it comes to work-appropriate attire.

Tip! What's most important on your first day? Wearing something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

In general: Safety and comfort are priorities in your work attire. If unsure, err on the side of formal.

Extra Dos

Do: Bring Necessary Documents

Have any required paperwork, IDs, or documents ready and on hand that first day, you'll be filling out a lot of onboarding paperwork and getting your paycheck and potential benefits in order.

Do: Be Prepared to Learn

Showing eagerness to absorb new information, whether it's about your role, company culture, or procedures, will not only benefit you but is a great skill to showcase to your employer.

Do: Listen More Than You Speak

Being observant and attentive will help in understanding the work culture and dynamics better, better preparing you for day two!

Do: Be Positive and Open-Minded

Maintaining a positive attitude and staying open to new experiences and people will only better your chance of getting comfortable in your new environment, as well as planting the first seeds to grow and excel in the future.

Age-Related Advice

Youngins

Show eagerness to learn.

Your energy and willingness to learn can make a great first impression. It's not make or break, but first impressions can do just as much for your confidence in yourself as someone else's confidence in you.

Network Intentionally

Introduce yourself to colleagues and seek out potential mentors. Finding a mentor won't come immediately, but it won't come at all without making the first introduction!

Understand Your Role

Clearly understand what is expected of you and how your role fits into the larger organization. Ask questions to figure this out and think critically about both your questions and the answers—it's not a test, but it's critical information for your position.

Manage Your Online Presence

I know what you're thinking—lame. But, ensuring your social media profiles are professional or private is important. Hopefully, you have done this before obtaining the job, but it's a good idea to make sure your profile only shows content that you're comfortable bringing up in conversation with your coworker. It doesn't mean you can't post that meme or that lyric from your favorite song—just make sure that it's something that you'd be comfortable talking about in the break room. Remember that everyone is online!

Seek Feedback

Be proactive in seeking constructive feedback to continuously learn. This is another way to show eagerness to learn, which we know is important to your first impression, understanding your role, and bettering your skills and career in the long run.

Let's look deeper into social dynamics and professional conduct in a new workplace.

Social Dynamics

Transitioning into a new workplace involves a delicate balance of observation, engagement, respect, and adaptability. By embracing these, you can smoothly integrate into your new role and become a valued member of the team.

Observe First

Observation is key in any new environment. Pay close attention to the nuances of interactions among colleagues. This includes noting the formal and informal communication styles, the level of formality in meetings, and the general demeanor during work hours. Understanding these subtleties can help you integrate more seamlessly into the team.

Engage in Small Talk

Small talk is a powerful tool for building relationships. It's not just about the weather or weekend plans; it's an opportunity to show genuine interest in your colleagues' lives. Remember, while sharing about yourself, balance is crucial. Be open but not overly personal, and always be an attentive listener, showing genuine interest in what others have to say.

Be Respectful of Everyone

Respect in the workplace goes a long way and should be universal. From the janitor to the CEO, every individual plays a vital role in the organization and deserves equal respect. Acknowledging everyone's contribution, regardless of their position, helps to foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

Avoid Office Politics

Office politics can be tricky and potentially damaging, especially for someone new. Stay clear of gossip and backbiting. It's wise to be observant and understand the dynamics, but participating in negative conversations can harm your reputation and professional relationships.

Find a Buddy

Having a 'buddy' or a go-to person can ease the transition into a new workplace. If the company doesn’t assign one, take the initiative to connect with a colleague who can guide you. This person can be a valuable resource in understanding the company culture, processes, and unspoken rules.

More Tips!

Lunch Etiquette

Understanding the lunch culture in your new workplace can be more important than it might seem. Observe or ask whether colleagues tend to eat together in a common area or prefer to eat at their desks. If there is a trend of communal eating, it's a good opportunity to socialize and get to know your team better. However, if the culture leans towards solitary lunch breaks, respect that as well. In some offices, lunch hour may also serve as an informal meeting time, so be open and prepared for these dynamics.

Understand the Communication Style

Every workplace has its unique communication style. Pay attention to how your colleagues and superiors prefer to communicate. Do they rely heavily on emails for formal communication, or do they prefer quick phone calls or direct messaging for immediate concerns? Is face-to-face interaction favored for more detailed discussions? Adapting to the preferred communication style of your workplace can greatly enhance your effectiveness and integration into the team.

Set Personal Goals

Setting personal goals is a proactive way to manage your career trajectory from the get-go. Start by setting achievable short-term goals for your first week, such as understanding the company’s products or services, getting to know your team, or mastering a particular tool or process. For the first month, you might aim to complete a specific project or contribute to a team goal. By your first quarter, consider aiming for broader objectives like establishing yourself as a go-to person in a particular area or significantly contributing to a major project. Remember, these goals should be realistic and flexible enough to accommodate the learning curve associated with any new position.

Practice Self-Care

Starting a new job can indeed be stressful, and it's crucial to take care of your physical and mental well-being during this transition. Ensure you are getting enough rest; lack of sleep can affect your performance and ability to concentrate. It’s also important to maintain a healthy work-life balance from the start. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to take short breaks to clear your mind or seek support from colleagues or a supervisor. Remember, taking care of yourself is not just beneficial for you, but also for the quality of work you deliver!

The first day at a new job is about finding balance—balancing eagerness with patience, socializing with respect for individual space, personal ambition with team goals, and professional dedication with personal well-being. By being observant, adaptable, goal-oriented, and mindful of your own needs, you can make a positive and lasting impression while laying a strong foundation for future success in your new role.

Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of yourself and engaging with your new environment in a balanced way will pave the way for a rewarding career, no matter your age or profession—good luck out there!