Industry and job specifics aside, there is a particular feeling of nervousness and excitement that comes prior to a first day at a new job. There are numerous unfamiliar work processes, people, physical spaces, and elements of culture that will be thrown at a person on their first day. This new world can seem large, intimidating, enticing, and interesting. These types of emotions can lead to being overwhelmed which will make that first day seem more like a nightmare. Seeing as the first day at a new job is a foundational building block to a person’s experience working at a company, it is absolutely necessary to make it through the day without any issues while also gaining helpful insight on how to continue to acclimate. Not only will this make a workplace more comfortable, it will also cause a person to develop as summed up by Marissa Mayer, the Co-Founder and information technology executive of Sunshine Contacts, “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.”
What are the best-kept secrets to successfully navigating your first day on the job? We connected with a few people with business experience to gain their insights on this topic.
Consider your Commute
Dan Potter is the Head of Digital of CRAFTD London, a brand offering high quality jewelry for men. He believes a person’s first day at a job starts with getting there on time.
“All of the paperwork, interviews, and nerves that accompany starting a new position can cause you to overlook some of the most important elements of a work. It really begins with arriving at work and if your brain is focused on other work related things this could become a slight problem. Take the time to look at the estimate your GPS gives for your commute and plan around this. Arriving five minutes early to your first day may go completely unnoticed but if you’re five minutes late everyone in the office will know of it.”
Dress the Part
Embroker specializes in business insurance, technology, and broker expertise. Their Founder and CEO, Matt Miller, suggests being intentional about the clothing items selected for a first day.
“One of the best things you can do for yourself is to try and understand the dress code of a company during the interview process. What were other employees wearing? What were the boss or interviewers? If you’re looking for clarity, it’s always acceptable to ask those in charge for a clear definition of the dress code. There’s nothing worse than showing up on your first day and sticking out like a sore thumb because you’re not wearing the right or appropriate thing. At the end of the day, professionality is key and you don’t want to do something that causes public awareness you’d rather avoid.”
Listen
A first day at a new company can be the source of the most relevant and applicable information, if one pays attention to it. Big Heart Toys is a business providing self-reading, behavior books, learning games and toys, and sensory toys. Their Chief Operating Officer, Rio Wolff, considers it wise to take notice of those first few surroundings.
“If you’ve ever started at a company, you know that the first day or even a couple of days is filled with orientation related activities. They may seem mundane or simply a part of the process but if you don’t listen to the information being fed to you, something important may slip through the cracks. Corporate policy or other detailed job related items described in detail can be mind numbing even for the most engaged individual. However, it’s worth your time to continually stay engaged if only so an awkward scenario doesn’t arise later because you weren’t paying attention.”
Ask Questions
Anthony Puopolo is the CMO of Rex MD, a brand offering an online health clinic specializing in male health. He advises others to be inquisitive throughout that first time in the office.
“A first day in a new job can be a bit like stepping into a high powered wind tunnel. The atmosphere is slightly overpowering and it can be difficult to gain any sort of stability. Questions are a great tool for combating these feelings. They will aid you in your search for understanding of how to do your job and simply asking questions demonstrates interest to those you’re speaking with. You’re really killing two birds with one stone here as you gain useful information and leave a good impression.”
Overprepare
7 Wonders Cinema specializes in full-service branded video strategy, production, and delivery. Their Co-Founder and Executive Producer, Stephen Skeel, believes that getting ahead of the knowledge curve is a wonderful way to assist in the navigation of the first day.
“Unless you’re returning to a company you’ve worked at previously, you’re going to have to wade through the weeds so to speak to discover all the details necessary to make your work life successful in a new position. But you can anticipate this reality and over prepare for it by researching anything you can about the place you’re about to work at. From recent news headlines to company websites there’s enough stuff out there to get your head pointed in the right direction as it pertains to your job.”
Seize Your Opportunities
With a new job comes new social circumstances and chances. Universal Diagnostic Laboratories is a business providing a full-service reference and esoteric testing laboratory with a large in-house test menu. Their Vice President, Jorge Usatorres, proposes making the most of these things when they appear.
“One of the nicest things about being the new person is that most people within the office will take special interest in them. I understand that not everyone will appreciate this attention but it can really make adjusting to a new environment much easier. When coworkers make an effort to connect with you, seize the opportunity to put your best foot forward and do the same in return. A personal connection can make work far more comfortable and allow you to comprehend the flow of the office much more with an insider’s perspective.”
Put Your Phone Away
Alexandra Fennell is the Co-Founder of Attn:Grace, a brand offering sustainable wellness for women. She cautions others to be conscious of how much time one spends on their phone on that first day.
“The use of our phones is habitual at this point. We don’t even think about it sometimes. Standing in line? Check your phone. Bored? Check your phone. Oh, your phone buzzed? Check your phone. You get my point. We all do it. But it can really leave a sour taste in the mouths of new coworkers or bosses if you’re doing this regularly, especially if you’re new. You may not intend it to be so but most people see phone use in a public setting to communicate disinterest or a lack of respect. If you ask me, that’s the last thing I’d want to communicate.”
Be Yourself
Allara specializes in an all-in-one virtual care team for women with PCOS. Their Founder and CEO, Rachel Blank, considers it best to avoid leaving any false first impressions.
“As the focus of many within the workplace when you first arrive, it can be easy to fall into unhelpful thoughts like, ‘What is everyone here thinking about me?’ If those types of thoughts become too loud it can cause us to act differently than we would normally. This can cause real confusion and even discomfort around coworkers as they can either sense the fake demeanor or struggle to comprehend the behavior change. You are you for a reason and you should continue to be yourself in the workplace.”
As seen above, there are a litany of methods to follow when it comes to a first day on a job. While actively doing so may seem intimidating, Adena Friedman, the president and CEO of Nasdaq, Inc., “Starting a new job can be nerve-racking , but it’s also exciting. You’re embarking on a new future, positioning yourself to write a fresh story on a clean slate.”
