The cool thing about the first day at a new job is… you now have a job! The hard-work paid off
and you are now employed. The next challenge is a completely new experience, and there is a lot
to do to ensure that it goes well. The two things to keep in mind when starting a new job are
"professionalism" and "likability." This is how you sell yourself on the first day, it is not enough
to be professional- you need to make your co-workers like you. Conversely if you are stiff as a
block of wood, even if you are professional, you aren’t going to go far.
So how do we prove to a staff that we are professional and likable? Let’s start with
professionalism. First, arrive early and leave late. You will likely have a little bit of extra paper
work to do. So, get to work early and get it done, preferably before everyone shows up. There are
usually a handful of people who start work early, getting to work when they do is a good plan for
your first day. You also want to make sure all your work is done before you take off. Stay a little
late for an extra half-hour or so, that’s ideal. This proves to the people around you (especially
your managers) that you are willing to work hard, a trait that is always good. You also want to
make sure you are dressed professionally. Oddly enough, more people make the mistake of over
dressing than under dressing. Imagine the office and everyone is wearing a shirt and tie and you
come sauntering in with a three piece suit, you are going to stick out like a sore thumb. If you
had your interview on site try to remember what people were wearing and replicate that. You
want your clothes to make you look like you belong.
Next, make them like you. When starting a new job, a friend of mine walked around to every one
of her new co-workers and asked them what they did. When they answered she listened
attentively, and then told them that it seemed like they were doing a fantastic job. She asked, she
listened, she complimented. This is a great formula to follow. You get to learn a lot about how
the company works, about your co-workers, and you get to give them real compliments. This
shows the whole office that you are motivated and friendly. The other great thing to do is send
thank you notes and e-mails when you get home. You will likely have a couple people who
really help you out when you are first starting, make them feel appreciated. Sending a few thank
you e-mails today, may inevitably make your job easier for years to come. If you follow this
advice you will have a dynamite first day. Remember that it is all about professionalism and
likability. through practicing those you will learn all that you need to learn!