When you finally land that new career you have always dreamed of, you need to focus on first impressions and making the most out of your first day at work. It’s very likely that you will be training and learning new systems, but being coherent and displaying confidence will help you in the long run. Coming off as shy and timid can have serious career ramifications, because you may automatically disqualify yourself from taking on a management role later in your career. Use these tips to make the most out of your first day and prove to your new employer that they made an excellent decision to hire you.
Don’t be shy
Confidence is one of the most important attributes for a manager to have. Even if you are just an entry-level worker, you should always have aspirations to move up in the company. Never be complacent with the job you have, because in all likelihood you will end up stuck there for the long haul. When you are shy you come off as someone who lacks confidence. On your first day, ask questions and don’t be afraid to fail. The company that hired you is one hundred percent sure that you are capable of getting the job done and qualified to handle the workload. Prove to them that they aren’t making a mistake.
Ask Questions
It’s your first day at work, and everyone knows that you are at the bottom of the learning curve. You might have some expertise, but it takes a true master to walk into a job and know exactly how everything works. Management will understand that you will have some questions, and you need to ask them. Don’t worry about asking too many, because if you learn all you can early, you won’t have any gaps in your knowledge later in your career. Your managers will appreciate your work ethic and aspirations for perfection.
Dress to Impress
For some positions, you will be wearing a work uniform so this doesn’t really apply. But in the business world, dressing your best will not only make you feel more confident, but it will also show your employer how serious you are about your new position. As the old saying goes, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Truer words have never been spoken. Ditch the scrubby clothes and break out your best duds. Looking the part is the first step in getting the part.
Questions to avoid
Although asking certain questions is very important, there are some that you should avoid at all costs. For a salaried job, often times you work more than forty hours per week. It’s just a reality that millions of Americans face. One of the worst things you can do is ask about when your day is over. If workers around you are regularly working sixty hours per week, you need to do the same. Don’t be that person who is complaining about the work day being too long. After all, you just started the job, and you want to make an excellent first impression. Bite the bullet and keep your mouth shut. Work as long as they need you too. The company culture had years to evolve, and one new employee isn’t going to change the way things work. These are questions you should have asked during the interview. Normally human resources will give you a straight answer.
Your first day on the job can be one of the most important, so having a plan is essential. You need to make a great first impression and display your interests / work ethic. Doing so will set you up for long term success.
Matthew Welch
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