The first day of a new job can be daunting – so make sure you’re fully prepared with our checklist…
You might feel like you’ve done the hard bit after writing the perfect CV and acing the interview – but now you’ve got to actually go and work at a new company.
Here’s what you need to make sure your first day goes to plan…
1. Update your social media profiles
At least a week or so before you start you might want to go through your social media profiles and remove any embarrassing images or comments.
Remember that when you meet your new colleagues they’ll probably check out your LinkedIn and Facebook pages – not only should you have removed any embarrassing pictures but you should also have updated them with recent achievements and training.
2. Research the company
Hopefully you’ll have done plenty of research before you applied, but it’s worth checking their website and social media feeds for any updates and major changes.
Social media is also a great way to get a sense of the tone of the office. Is it fun and playful or serious and purely hardworking? Are employees proud to work there or do they never mention their company online?
3. Know where you’re going
You may well have visited the office for the interview, but then again your actual place of employment might be somewhere else or on another floor. Find out exactly where you need to go on your first day, who you’re meeting and plan your route.
Will you be driving, going by train or can you walk/cycle to work? What’s the traffic like at that time in the morning? If you’re going to be outside, what’s the weather forecast?
4. Scope out the wardrobe
Whilst you’re testing your route to work, it’s also worth checking what people going to the office are wearing.
On your first day it’s always worth going a notch smarter than most people until you find your level. Any doubt over what people are wearing, then go for a casual suit – you can keep a tie in your pocket to smarten up or a light jumper to replace the jacket for a more casual look.
5. Pack your bag
You’ll need a full packed bag ready for all occasions on your first day.
It should include:
• ID – passport and driver’s license for HR purposes
• Note pads – for noting down codes, names, meeting rooms etc
• Chargers – you don’t want your phone going dead halfway through the day
• Spare clothes – see above
• Lunch – something simple that won’t smell up the office.
6. Have some questions prepared
Once you’re all packed and ready to go, write down a few questions to ask on the first day.
Not only will this help get them off your mind so you can sleep properly, but it’ll also show you’re engaged and interested when you arrive.
Don’t make them too self-serving (i.e. don’t ask what time lunch is). Think more along the lines of, are there any unusual practices or routines that you should know about.
7. Set an alarm…or two
You really don’t want all your hard work researching the fastest route to go to waste because you slept through your alarm. Set two alarms, 5 minutes apart just in case you nod off again.
8. Listen and learn
The first few days are usually freebies where you’ll spend most of the time doing admin and learning the ropes. Use this time to talk with colleagues, find out about day-to-day working practices and more.
And remember to smile – they hired you for a reason, so don’t worry about making an instant good impression, just try and enjoy it.
Posted by the Secret Businessman