Congratulations! Getting a job offer is no small thing, especially in today’s competitive market. But now the celebrating is over, you’ve tied up loose ends at your current job, and the new position is suddenly staring you in the face. Where to begin?!
In my family, we have always treated beginning a new job like going back to school. I think it’s a good analogy: butterflies in your stomach the night before, trying to make sure you dress to impress, etc. What did you do to prepare as a kid (or an adult) before the first day of school?
Get your materials together. In school this means your backpack, lunch box, notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, etc. For work you may not need to schlep that much, but you’ll certainly want to bring a few things. 1. Something to write with and write on. 2. A bag to carry training materials and other information. 3. DIRECTIONS (do you want to get lost on your first day?).
Wear wisely. I know, I know—I’m a girl so I think about these things. But even though you got the job, that doesn’t mean that you should stop being impressive. If anything, you want to make sure that your supervisors feel good about their decision. Dress appropriately for your first day. This may mean that you need to ask what the company’s dress code is.
Verify your start date and time. Make sure you know where you’re going and when to go there. It would make a bad first impression to be late or go to the wrong location on your first day.
Last, but not least, it’s okay if your first day isn’t stellar. My mom told me once that she’s cried at some point in the first week of any new job she’s ever had. It’s stressful to learn new things and to try to incorporate yourself into an environment that is new and different. I certainly don’t expect you to cry, but just know it’s okay to feel a little flustered. Enjoy your experience and learn as much as you can!
