{"id":8960,"date":"2019-07-22T18:44:08","date_gmt":"2019-07-22T18:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monsterindia.com\/career-advice\/a-guide-to-surviving-your-first-day-at-work-8960\/"},"modified":"2024-04-23T16:46:20","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T11:16:20","slug":"a-guide-to-surviving-your-first-day-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foundit.in\/career-advice\/a-guide-to-surviving-your-first-day-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Surviving Your First Day at Work"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When it comes to experiencing anxiety and excitement, your first day at work is as taxing as the job search process that precedes it. Stepping into an unknown environment, you are likely to be a bundle of nerves on your first day. Both memorable as well as stressful, your first day at work is all about meeting your new coworkers and boss, familiarising yourself with the new work process, etc. While you are focused on making a lasting first impression, the suspense of what\u2019s to come next can easily play on your confidence. Put your mind at ease with our \u2018first-day-at-work<\/a>\u2019 survival guide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Have a pitch ready<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You are most likely going to be asked questions like \u2018why did you leave your previous job?\u2019, or \u2018what are your strengths and weaknesses?\u2019 To avoid awkwardness and being vague with your replies, it is best that you are ready with your answers prior to your first day at work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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On a similar note, here are some tips to answer other questions of this nature:<\/strong> ‘So, Why Should We Hire You?’<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a02. Be observant and proactive<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joining a new workplace is sure to leave you with plenty of questions. Demonstrating a curiosity to learn is good, and you can do so by having a list of questions ready. What will also come in handy is taking initiatives and showing that you are eager to learn. Ensure that the questions you ask at your orientation meeting are more in-depth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Show up early<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early, but not earlier than that. You don\u2019t want to come across as too eager. Leaving early for the office on your first day will help you avoid rush hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Be prepared to start work, the first day itself<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

That is correct. There is a high probability that your boss may assign you a task on the first day itself. Be prepared to start work from day one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Need advice on how to start managing your work? Check this:<\/strong> How to Set Boundaries for Yourself at Work<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Observe the social landscape of your office<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Figuring out the social landscape is a good way of determining positional hierarchy in your organisation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Looking to be in the good books of your manager? Read this:<\/strong> 4 Tips to Connect Better with Your Manager<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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6. Don\u2019t forget to relax<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Typically, the first day at work is mentally more stressful. Therefore, it is essential to take short breaks and relax. This is the best way to optimise your productivity. Being well rested the night before you start at your new workplace, preparing for your first day and reaching the office on time are some of the other important things to keep in mind before your first day at work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Get some great tips for a healthy work-life balance here:<\/strong> 7 Tips to Ensure You Stay Healthy at Work Even Working 24\/7<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Smiling is important too<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A great way to keep the first-day-at-work stress at bay is to smile and be happy. You have managed to come through a long and difficult interview process. Be sure to smile when you meet new people, shake their hands and introduce yourself. This will make it clear how happy and eager you are to be here.<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Keep professionalism intact<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

While taking short breaks and relaxing is fine, don\u2019t overdo it. Dress professionally and be as courteous as you were during your interview process. Be mindful of the fact that you don\u2019t send out a wrong message by overdoing the jokes. The idea is to help your coworkers be as comfortable as possible when around you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Pay attention to your body language<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Apart from verbal communication, we send out non-verbal signals with our body language. Body language makes up for most of your communication in a professional set up. So, assess what you are projecting with your body language and how others may perceive you. Make necessary changes if required. Avoid doing the following:<\/span><\/p>\n