Essential Tips on Surviving Your First Day at Work

The first days are almost always anxiety-inducing, be it school, university, or office. New people, new environment, and new responsibilities – all of this can be overwhelming. But, settling in easily and having a great first day can be achieved if you follow the tips mentioned below. 

Choose the right dress

You may have used resume writing services under $100 to land that job. But, you have to put effort into settling in at the new workplace. 

Since the first morning of your first day at work can be anxiety-inducing, ensure you’ve planned your outfit for the night. When deciding what to wear, try a few outfits to choose the one you feel the comfiest in. this comfy outfit must be professional and chic. 

You may also consider checking the HR’s policies on dress code to ensure you’re dressing the right way. Your outfit, however, may not match your colleagues’ dressing styles. And, that’s okay. All you need is to feel confident in those clothes. 

You can observe during your orientation what others are wearing. Then, slowly you can also match your wardrobe with your work dress culture. Remember, you don’t need to feel too stressed about this dressing-up part. You never know whom you are inspiring with your skills and positive attitude. So, be easy on yourself, and wear whatever you feel confident in on your first day. 

Introduce yourself and connect with your team

It is always a good idea to introduce yourself to everyone. Try to connect with your team by asking questions and what they expect of you. 

Remember, when you introduce yourself, keep it precise. Preparing a 30-second elevator pitch a night before is also a great idea. You won’t be confused or feel shy encountering new 

colleagues. But remember, this pitch must catch their attention. It should put a spotlight on your professional experience rather than anything personal. 

Just like many individuals pay for a resume, you can ask a professional writer to help you develop a compelling pitch. It will save you a lot of anxiety and stress. 

Plan the commuting options and time

Before you wake up for your first day at work, you must know how long the commute will take. It will help you set the alarm at the right time. If you’re not sure exactly how long it will take, it is better to keep at least 15 minutes of buffer time. Leave for work at least 15 minutes earlier than the time you have calculated. 

You probably went to that area during normal hours in your car. And now, if you’ve decided to take a train during office hours, the time duration could be different. Even if you’re driving there during the rush hour, you can get stuck in traffic and late if you don’t leave early. So, wake up a little early on the first morning. 

Turning up at work early is always better than arriving late. You don’t want to ruin your first impression, do you? So, it is better to be early. Use that additional time to prepare yourself for the day and adjust in. 

Read the materials thoroughly

On the first day, most employees have to take care of some paperwork and review contracts. If you have to do the same, read those materials carefully. It is crucial to comprehend your new employer’s policies, such as:

• Retirement plans;
• Health insurance;
• Annual leaves;
• Vacation policy;
• Probation period conditions.

You can also review some of the paperwork at home. So, there is no rush. You must know everything in detail before working and signing the contracts. 

Be mindful of your words and body language

It is important for you to have friendly behavior if you want to settle in fast. So, ensure you:

• Stay cheerful;
• Smile;
• Initiate conversations;
• Have lunch with your colleagues.

Remember, being cheerful and eating lunch with them is a great way to connect and build strong professional ties. 

But, this is not it. Your body language also communicates the same. Avoid looking nervous or bored. To do so, avoid these signs:

• Touching your face and hair repeatedly;
• Yawning or tapping your foot.

It is important to actively listen when you are in a conversation. Show them that you are interested. Nod when they give useful information to ensure them you are getting their point. 

Did you pay someone to write my resume? If so, they probably have boasted about your soft skills. It’s time to demonstrate those abilities now. So, relax and try to be as friendly as you can. 

 In short, you need to plan your day and be mentally prepared to face the challenges to survive your first day. It can be done by following the tips mentioned above. Just be confident and believe in yourself. And ensure you have a good night’s sleep before your first day.