I remember the first day I started as a government contractor and, man, I want to tell you that was a scary job. I had to go to all kinds of security checks, use my badge at every single door and get all kinds of funny looks from the people that didn’t recognize my new face.
And here is your cube hel… home. Yeah, home.
Not only that, but a lot of the stuff had to do with hardware and deliverable products that had global impact and awareness. That’s a lot of responsibility and it’s a little bit scary to think about if you focus too much on the facts themselves.
However, I know that with a couple tips that I’m about to give you, you don’t have to go through the same thing on your first day on the job. It’s time to diminish your fear of the unknown and get the confidence you need to do a great job.
1) Be Friendly And Smile At Everyone Alive
Don’t make it fake, make it genuine. Be actually and truthfully happy with the opportunity to do what you do…and smile for it. You may not know anyone, but everyone recognizes a happy face and appreciates being around a good attitude.
And you know what, if you don’t believe you’re happy and you’re not quite at that point yet, well fake it ’til you make it. The sheer act of smiling will produce the happiness habit in you and it’s a good thing to do.
2) Look People In The Eyes
Don’t be all shy and staring at the floor while you walk around and talk to people. They don’t know you yet and the first impression is very important. If you are walking around looking at the floor, you’ll become known as the person that’s just shy and not confident enough to get stuff done. This will impact you for the rest of your time there and it will be insanely hard to overcome.
Start out being confident, looking right in people’s eyes and letting them know that yes, you can do this and you’re willing to give anything a shot.
3) Remember Names And Apologize When You Don’t
You’re going to have a ton of names thrown at you for the first couple of months even and it can be hard to keep up with. I know I’ve had some trouble attaching people’s names to their faces, and there are times when I just draw a blank.
This is perfectly fine and people expect it. Sure, they might joke around a bit and try to make you feel a little funky for not remembering, but that’s okay. Make a couple of mistakes here and there and you’ll eventually get it. Just apologize, ask for it again and move on.
4) Take Notes In A Notebook
When you’re at meetings or when you’re talking to subject matter experts that know more than you do. It’s okay to take notes. Until you have a greater understanding of the way the work there works, then you need to keep notes on the processes and things to do.
Sure, after a year or two you’ll be able to understand how everything works to the T, and by that time your notebook will be a great resource to any new people that are starting. Take notes and be on top of things.
5) Take The Job Seriously So They Will Take You Seriously
It’s okay to have a little bit of fun and maintain your personality in the workplace, however, there are times and places when it’s not appropriate to be insincere. Take your job seriously and take responsibility for all of your output.
What you do and what you put into it is directly proportional to the amount of respect and trust you get from everyone else.
The First Day At Work Is Yours!
Starting a new job can be a confusing and scary time. But it doesn’t have to be. If you keep the five tips that we just went over in mind, then your first day, first couple of weeks and even first few months will go a lot smoother.
Just remember to be friendly and smile at people. Look them in the eyes, remember their names when you can take notes and take your job seriously. Put some real effort into doing a good job and look forward to the advancement that’s ahead for you.