Have you uploaded your CV on Akhtaboot yet? If you did, then chances are that you have already landed your dream job. Congratulations. Let the first day begin. Whether you are still a fresh graduate or you simply want to switch jobs, your first day can seem overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect.
If you want to have a successful first day you need to be prepared, and knowing some basic workplace rules will help you survive.
So what can you do to make sure that you make a lasting good impression on your first day at work?
Do Your Homework
Before you even start your new job you should research the company and their competitors to get a clear idea about the industry as a whole. Most of the information you need is readily available on the company’s website as well as other places on the Internet. Check out the company’s profile on Akhtaboot.com for instance, it has great information about the company including the company profile, the working hours, insight about their environment and corporate culture and even their location on a map. You should also study the company brochures and read their press releases and annual reports to get a solid background and understanding of the company. This will show your employer that you care enough to learn about your new organization.
Dress Appropriately
First impressions are really hard to change, especially in the work place. Play it safe when it comes to your outfit, or at least until you get a clearer idea of what is acceptable and what is not. Try to keep your attire as simple and professional as possible. Keep in mind that each company and specific position within that company has a different requirement when it comes to dress code, some companies don’t require a formal outfit, and other companies do. Sometimes the same company may have a different dress code depending on whether your position is client facing or not. When in doubt, basic black will solve the issue in most cases.
Don’t Be Late
Now that you are preparing to join the workforce, get used to hearing the words: “Don’t be late to work”. Being on time is essential if you want to hold on to your job and make sure that you gain the approval of your supervisors. In order to make sure you arrive to work on time, leave your house much earlier than you usually would in order to account for unforeseen circumstances such as traffic and accidents on the way to work. Arriving late will not only create a bad impression, but you will have a bad start to your day.
Ask Questions
Ask questions, even if they seem a bit silly to you. Remember that there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. It is always better to ask a question rather than assume something and do something wrong. Show that you are interested. Listen more than you talk. If you listen carefully you will be in a much better position to add value to the organization, and your opinions and suggestions will be that much more constructive. We cannot stress enough the importance of listening; it is a key component for career development and promotion within any company.
Meeting Colleagues
Expect to meet lots of people with different backgrounds and from diverse cultures on your first day. Introduce yourself to those you meet and make an effort to remember their names. You probably won’t be able to remember everyone’s name or what they do during the first week. Don’t worry, if possible, try to remember the names of those who sit directly around you. It makes it a lot easier when you need to ask for things. Writing down the names of your colleagues might sound a bit boring, but it definitely works if you are bad with names. One very important thing to remember is not to participate in “gossip” sessions, even if the person you are talking to seems trustworthy, it might come back to haunt you one day.
Let The Real Work Begin!
Asking if there is anything you can do is very important because members of staff will be busy for sure. You can’t just sit around looking bored, you will be forgotten and you will have nothing to do all day. Try to come up with some things that you can actually do without being told to; the staff will be grateful and perceive you as mature, proactive and ambitious person.
It’s OK to make use of some things that you learned at your previous job or at university, but you must never forget that each company has its own way of doing things and that you’ll eventually need to adjust your working habits according to the way things are done at your current company.
Being the newest member in the company can be both stressful AND exciting. You’ll be faced with many difficulties at first, but things will get better over time.
Just look around you, each one of your colleagues had to go through the same process at some point; they all sat there confused, anxious and even a bit unconfident. But they all survived, and so will you.
Keep in mind that you made it through the application and interview process; which means that the company must have hired you for a reason. You have earned this opportunity. So relax, try to enjoy your first day, make the most of every opportunity that comes your way, and bear in mind that there is always a first time for everything.
