How to impress on your first day

Starting a new job can often be exciting and occasionally daunting. Especially as you spend your first day in a new environment filled with new faces, and a mountain of colleague’s names to remember.

However, keep in mind the reasons why you accepted this job in the first place – The working environment, the increase in salary, the location or the employee benefits to name a few.

There are a wide range of reasons why we choose the jobs we do. Some do it for the enjoyment, others do it for the financial gain. Whatever the reason may be, you took this job because you felt as though it would positively enhance your life in some way.

Above all else, you want to make a good impression.

Be on time

Traffic can often be unpredictable, especially during peak hours. Why not do a dry run on a weekday, giving yourself the allocated time you think you need? You can then adjust your timing schedule as necessary.

Remember, first impressions are key.

Dress smart

Make sure you dress appropriately for your first day in formal attire unless you have been told otherwise.  You can always feel the culture out and moderate your dress after your first day when you have a better measure of the appropriate clothing.

Ask engaging questions

Don’t sit there not knowing the answer to a question or feeling like you are missing something.  Just ask.  Employers may seem busy whilst they do their day job but they will be only too pleased to answer your questions and won’t want you say there not knowing an answer.

Have a can-do attitude

You may be asked to undertake certain tasks on your first day.  Show willing and hunger and be proactive in getting involved as the day progresses.

Get involved

There may be opportunities to sit with colleagues or have lunch with certain individuals.  Take the opportunity to learn more about your new surroundings and show you are a team player.

Use your Initiative

You are not expected to be an expert on the first day. However, no matter what the job entails, showing your employer that you can take initiative is a sure way to give yourself the wow factor and get yourself noticed in the right way.

Remember, you have nothing to fear. You have already managed to win them over in your interview. So much so that they offered you the job in the first place!