The first day of a new job can be a time of anticipation, excitement and nervousness. Not knowing exactly what to expect and how you’ll fit in can be a little stressful. However, by taking the right steps to prepare, you should be able to make your transition a smooth one and get started out on the right foot. Here are some specific things you can do to prepare for a new job.
Familiarize Yourself With Your New Company
Making a positive first impression on the first day is important. One of the best ways to do this is by doing some research on your new employer and getting to know as much as you can about them. For instance, you might learn about:
- Their history and how long they’ve been in business
- Their overall industry
- Their company culture
- Things that distinguish them from competitors
This can really come in handy when you’re building relationships and getting acclimated during the initial phases. Managers and higher ups in particular are likely to appreciate the fact that you’ve taken the time to do your homework.
Review the Job Description and Relevant Materials
Although you probably have a decent idea of what your basic job duties will be, it’s smart to go over the job description and other materials in detail, and examine the specifics. This might include looking over the duties you’re responsible for, when your shift begins and ends, break times and the hours you’ll be working per week. If your recruiter gave you an employee handbook, you should go over this in detail and review their policies as well. Doing this before your first day should reduce much of the friction that’s common when beginning a new job.
Dress Appropriately
When it comes to wardrobe, it can differ substantially from one company to another. While wearing jeans may be totally acceptable at one place, it can make you look completely underdressed at another. That’s why you need to make it a point to dress appropriately and have a basic idea of what you’ll wear during the first week. If you’re not entirely sure what the dress code is, you should ask your recruiter or slightly overdress just to be safe.
Plan Your Commute
The last thing you want to do is show up late on your first day because you didn’t leave early enough or got stuck in traffic. To ensure that you get there on time, it’s a good idea to figure out what the commute time is and throw in any factors that could slow you down. Ideally, you’ll take the route in advance so you’ll know exactly how long it takes. You may also want to plan out an alternative route in case of heavy traffic.
Proper preparation is critical when beginning a new job, and can greatly improve your chances of success. Some key things to remember are:
- Get to know your new company
- Go over your job duties and any materials you receive
- Wear the right wardrobe
- Find an efficient route to work
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