What should I do before first day of work?

The first day you start a new job is often one of the most exciting and memorable days of your working life. Your list of things "to do" will presumably include getting to know your new colleagues, establishing a favorable first impression, organizing your new workplace, and becoming familiar with the norms and traditions of the organization. If you do a good job doing these activities, it will assist the succeeding workdays you have go more smoothly.

This article will explain why the first day of your new work is so significant, and it will also provide you with some helpful advice to ensure that you get off to a good start in your new role.

Why is it so significant that today is your first day on the job?

The tone that is established on your first day of work will carry through into the rest of your workweek. On the first day of your new employment, you will get training that will teach you a lot of the information you need to have a successful career. You will view your work space, understand your unique day-to-day workflow and routine, meet your colleagues, get acquainted with various regions of your office or building, and much more. For example, you will see where you will be working. It is true that you never get a second opportunity to create a first impression, and the first day of a new job is the day that will build the basis for your future interactions in the workplace.

It's possible that it took you many weeks or even months to locate a new job that's a good fit for you. It is essential that you make the most of the chance you now have to go farther in your job at this time. This indicates that you need to put in as much effort as possible to ensure that you are ready for your first day of work.

Advice on making the most of your first day on the job

The following is a list of tasks that you should try to do on the first day:

1. Dress up

Dress well to create a positive first impression and to guarantee that you are in compliance with the dress code of the firm. You may want to consider wearing a pantsuit with oxford shoes, flats, or sensible heels in addition to a dress shirt and tie. If you notice that the others around you are dressing more casually, you may want to reconsider your outfit selections later in the day. Later in the day, if it does not seem to be suitable to continue wearing your tie or jacket, you are free to remove them.

2. Plan your commute

If you are driving or using public transit to go to your new job for the first time, you may not have a good idea of how long the trip will take. If you want to travel to a location that is on the same side of town as where you are now, you need leave at least 15 minutes sooner than you typically would. Your commute could be longer than the average route to the same location due to rush hour traffic, but getting to work early is still preferable than arriving late. If you arrive at your destination more than a few minutes early, you may use the additional time toward getting yourself ready for the day.

3. Give the documents for onboarding and orientation a thorough reading.

On the first day of your new job, you will normally be responsible for taking care of paperwork like tax filings. You should study any paperwork very carefully in order to get a comprehensive understanding of the health insurance coverage, retirement plans, vacation policies, and other aspects of your new employer's benefits package. You may be able to get some of this material after your first day, while other parts of it could need you to read it at home. Keep this documentation aside in case you need to refer to it at a later time.

4. Make sure you ask a lot of questions.

Asking questions to newly hired employees, who still have a lot to learn, can help you avoid making errors in the future. For instance, you may need to inquire about the order in which you should complete the duties that have been assigned to you or how often your manager likes to get status reports. Your willingness to learn new things and your desire to succeed in your new role are both shown by your natural curiosity.

5. Be friendly

Make an effort to connect with as many of your colleagues as you can while maintaining a positive attitude and smiling often. During the breaks, you may initiate discussions by inquiring about people's plans for the weekend or asking questions about the finest restaurants or coffee shops in the area. Having friends at work will increase the likelihood that your colleagues will see you as a member of the team. A trusted companion may also be able to assist you in the progression of your professional life.

6. Prepare an elevator pitch

Provide the persons you meet with a concise summary of your professional background as well as your current position. Inform them about your most recent place of employment as well as the responsibilities that come with your new role. You should also be ready to discuss the factors that led you to make the decision to switch employment.

7. Join your colleagues for lunch once a week.

If your manager or any of your colleagues extend an invitation to lunch to you, you should seriously think about accepting it. It's a terrific opportunity to get to know the folks you'll be working with as well as meet new acquaintances when you go out to lunch together. It is possible that you may wind up eating lunch on a regular basis with your employees, which can help you develop strong professional links that will assist you in moving up the corporate ladder.

8. Learn from the experiences of others.

It is crucial to find the ideal teammates to learn from in the majority of working contexts. You should pay close attention to both the discussions individuals are having and the way they behave. You'll have more time and energy to devote to modeling your behavior after those who have achieved the greatest levels of success and cultivating relationships with those who are in the best position to assist you. You will also get the opportunity to receive helpful guidance on how to be successful in your new work.

9. Be accessible to your supervisor

It's possible that your first day on the job may be really hectic. Talking to your colleagues, obtaining necessary training, and finishing the onboarding process are all important steps. In between these steps, you should check in with your manager a few times. You may ask them a few questions, or you could just ask if there is anything more they need. If your manager contacts you through email or requests your presence in their office, it is imperative that you answer without delay. This expresses both respect and excitement for the new management that you have been given.

10. Pay attention to the way your body communicates with others.

Even when you are not verbally exchanging words with another person, you are still often communicating with them via your body language. Maintain an upright posture whether you are sitting or standing, and suppress any anxious or bored behaviors such as caressing your hair or face, tapping your foot, or yawning. When you are having a discussion with another person, lean in closer to demonstrate that you are engaged, and nod in agreement if they make a valid point or provide information that is helpful to you.

11. Relax

On your first day of work, you may expect that most employers will be understanding if you make a few simple errors. The pressure to create a favorable first impression might be tough, but you should keep in mind that your primary goal should be to become proficient in your work. If you start to feel anxious or agitated, try taking some calm, deep breaths for a few minutes and concentrating on being in the here and now. Imagine a tranquil, serene location such as a lovely beach. If you make a mistake, just keep in mind that tomorrow will provide you another opportunity to do better.

12. Before you travel, be sure to say your goodbyes.

When it's time for you to depart, be sure to thank your manager for employing you and tell them that you had a good time on your first day on the job. You may chat to them about your day and how you intend to manage future tasks if they are in the mood to engage in conversation. Send your best wishes to them for the night and let them know that you look forward to seeing them again in the morning.