Starting a new job is nerve-wracking, to say the least.

For most, it is a combination of excitement and fear. This manifests as butterflies in the pit of your stomach. The inability to sleep, and the constant worry about what you need to wear and bring.

But every first day is also your first opportunity to make an impression. You can establish yourself as a passionate, hardworking individual and meet new people. We’ve all been there, and chances are we’ll all be there again in some capacity. Here’s how you can put your best foot forward, and make a great impression by mastering your first day at your new job.

Make New Friends and Network

As an adult, making new friends can be a challenge. Gone are the days where we met ran up to someone, tapping them on the shoulder and saying “tag.” Office friendships develop in a very different way.

Introduce Yourself

Chances are, you’re going to come across a few people during your first day. Take the opportunity to stop and introduce yourself. Shake their hand and tell them your first and last name and the department you’re joining. Then, make sure to ask theirs!

Repeat names back to people

You’re going to come across a lot of people on your journey through your new workplace. So, it’s important to make every transaction meaningful in and of itself. A simple, “it’s nice to meet you, Michael” goes a long way in both establishing that you’re engaged in the conversation and helping you remember names!

Make a List of People You Meet

When you have a chance, take a few minutes to make a list of the names and job titles of people you meet in your notebook. This can go along way when it comes to trying to remember those people later.

Let Your Work Prowess Shine!

It’s your first day at your new job and chances are you want to shine. But you don’t want to make it look like you’re trying too hard. How can you meaningfully accomplish that balance?

Listen

Your first day is likely filled with training activities. You’ll have constant information firing at you left, right and centre, and things are probably going to be a little hard to process. While it’s easy to get lost in all of the information, it’s important that you listen and ask questions when you don’t understand.

Carry a Notebook

Notebooks seem like an archaic tool, but they can really help you out in a pinch! Take notes throughout the day. Good note-taking practice is not to write everything down, but to write down the most important things and summarize information. You should also keep a log of questions you have that you can ask at a later point.

Put Away Your Phone

It’s tempting to check your phone throughout the day, but on your first day at your new job, try keeping your phone in your pocket or bag. Starting day one on your phone is a bad work habit.

Make a Plan

Once your day is over, take some time (but not too much) to jot down a simple plan. Try figuring out what you’d like to learn and accomplish in the next 30, 60 and 90 days. This will help give you a bit of guidance for the next few weeks as you get acquainted with your new workplace, colleagues and job.

Your first day at the office doesn’t have to be terrifying. It should be an exciting day where you meet new coworkers, learn about your new workplace and start getting settled into your new job.

Original Post: https://talentegg.ca/incubator/2019/01/03/mastering-day-job/