Job Tips To Follow On Your First Day
TIP #1: DON'T BE LATE
You're probably going to be taking a new train line, a new bus
route, or a new freeway to get to your new job, and chances are,
it's going to take longer than you anticipate. Test drive (or
test ride) your new route before you start your new job so you
know how long it takes and you don't end up being late your first
week. Factor in extra time if there's traffic, construction, etc.
TIP #2: DON'T FORGET YOUR DOCUMENTATION
When you start a new job, you usually need to fill out a variety
of forms and paperwork. This means you'll probably need your
driver's license, social security card, and possibly a passport.
Set the items out the night before you start your new job so you
don't forget them It's also a good idea to check with the hiring
manager to find out if there's anything else you need to bring
with you, which will ensure that you: 1.) get paid on time and
2.) don't make enemies out of the HR staff on your first day.
TIP #3: DON'T BLOW OFF ORIENTATION
Many companies require new employees to go through an orientation
or training process during their first week in a new position. It
can be tempting to blow these sessions off or treat them lightly:
don't. Your training managers, even if they're not going to be
your direct supervisor, are watching you. If you treat these
classes lightly or smirk during video presentations, you can bet
that the training mangers will be reporting your behavior back to
your boss and team members. Likewise, thoughtful questions and
attentiveness on your part can prove to the hiring managers,
training managers, and your future bosses that you are really
invested in your new position.
TIP #4: DON'T FORGET TO LEARN FIRST
Of course you want to make a great impression during your first
week at a new job, and show your new employers they made the
right choice in hiring you. And while enthusiasm is admirable,
wanting to implement new policies and ideas right from the get go
(especially if you're in a managerial position) may not be the
best way to align yourself with your new team. Before you start
changing policies and implementing new initiatives, take the time
to really learnyour job, your team members, and how
everything functions together in the company as a whole. From
there, you'll be able to make the kind of contributions that your
bosses will appreciate and your co-workers will respect and stand
behind.
TIP #5: DON'T FORGET TO ASK QUESTIONS
You may be so eager to start your new job that you don't want to
stop and ask questions. But by skipping even the most basic
questions (the ones you might be embarrassed to ask), you are
setting yourself up for failure. You need to ask
everything - from what your specific job duties are to
who can help you set up your computer to how documentation is
recorded.
In other words, put your ego in check and ask about everything: it will show your employer how thorough you are, and it will prevent you from making mistakes as you move forward.