What To Do And Not Do On Your First Day At Work

You’re fresh out of uni and about to start your first day in the real working world. All the hours, days and months of job searching, writing tailored CVS and cover letters, preparing for job interviews, have been leading up to this moment.

Here are the things you should and shouldn’t do on your first day.

DO…

Turn up 15 minutes early

It’s always good to turn up a bit early even if it’s not your first day. But if you haven’t done the commute before, it’s even more important. Give yourself that buffer time taking rush hour traffic and any other unexpected delays into account.

Put your phone on silent

The last thing you want is your snazzy ringtone to go off in the middle of introductions! You can always check your phone during break and lunch so refrain from taking it out while at your desk. It’s not professional and it’ll look like you’re not committing 110%. You need to show you’re present and focused.

Look alive and ready

This whole early morning routine may be a shock to the system, but don’t let it show on your face. Make the effort to smile, interact with colleagues and ask questions. Pay attention to your body language; don’t slump or slouch in your chair. Save that for when you get home.

DON’T…

Ask when you’ll get a pay raise

Get through your probation period before you even think about discussing salary. In most companies salaries are reviewed as your workload changes and expands.

Avoid office cliques and gossip

Show interest in your job and the company – nothing else! You don’t need to know why the receptionist goes for lunch with the IT guy or why the finance team don’t seem to talk much to other people.

Once you settle in properly, you’ll probably know what’s what anyway. For now, keep it cool.

Be a know-it-all

So you’re a graduate; chances are, you feel like you know it all. That doesn’t mean that how you learnt things corresponds to how it’s done in the real world. You may be tempted to show off your knowledge but it’s important you don’t act negative towards the company processes and procedures just because you did something differently at uni. Your employer wants to see that you’re open-minded and ready to learn things their way.

Finally, remember that your first day is as easy as you make it. Just keep it professional, polite and let your enthusiasm shine through. It’s going to take time to settle into the role and office. So relax, take a deep breath and enjoy being a newbie.

Haleema Khokhar also known as Kimi (a college nickname that stayed) is a journalism graduate working in the world of marketing and freelance writing. She loves animals, dance and a strong cup of tea. Check out her website and Twitter at @MyImpression_ you can also check out her personal Twitter at @KimiKhokhar 

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