Your first day at a new workplace can be a make or break day. It can be your most memorable day or the most stressful one. You have finally gone through the recruitment process and today marks the very first day of an exciting new career for you.
According to Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant; How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job," your first day at work is when you feel the highest level of pressure to make a good impression. But if you are feeling anxious, here are some of the things you can do on your first day:
1. Be prepared and don't hesitate to ask questions. Because it's your first day, it's normal to do a lot of listening but whenever you feel the need to ask a question, go ahead and do so. It is by asking questions that you can learn. And to maximize learning, also don't forget to take down notes and write down the things you want to ask later on.
2. Be on time. There's nothing more embarrassing than showing up late on a first day at work.
3. Be mentally prepared. Approach the day with an open mind that's ready to meet new people and ready to learn new things.
4. Figure out the places in your new office. Learn where the restrooms are, the coffee station and everything else. This should be a good chance for you to meet the people around. Don't forget to make friends and befriend at least one colleague.
5. Figure out what your boss and your colleagues expect from you. This way, you already have a clear understanding on what your goals are now that you are in a new company.
