Your First Day On The Job - A Survival Guide

Starting a new position is stressful; psychologists rank this experience among events such as dental surgery when comparing the strength of various "stressors". Dental Surgery! With a little bit of planing, however, you may be able to alleviate a good deal of this tension before it gets the best of you. Now open wide...

By Chris Alfe, Thingamajob Staff Writer

Scout Your Route

Thanks in part to corporate conglomeration and the centralization of human resources departments, many new employees interview at locations other than the ones at which they'll ultimately be working. Find out exactly where you are to report for your first day of work and, if possible, travel there beforehand.

Consider making a time-accurate mock commute; rush hour traffic may significantly increase your travel time, and you don't want to be caught off guard on your first day.

Arrive Early (but not that early)

Plan on arriving at least ten minutes early, but no more than twenty minutes early, on your first day. If you arrive any earlier than twenty minutes ahead of time, grab a cup of coffee and burn a few minutes off the clock before checking in.

Arriving prematurely may inconvenience your manager; it may force him or her to retrieve you earlier than scheduled, causing a possible disruption in work.

Write Down Names!

Unless you have a photographic memory, you'll probably not be able to remember all the names of the colleagues you will meet on your first day. Write down (or record electronically) the name of each person you meet. In addition to capturing the telephone extension and office location for each person, jot down contextual information as well -- what can they do for you?

You will probably be provided with a corporate directory that includes this information. Still, keeping your own log, at least during your introduction to the company, can be a valuable exercise.

Be Likable

Ideally, you'll quickly make friends at your new position and begin to speak freely and comfortably with your co-workers. Be careful, however, not to let your guard down. Put forth a positive attitude and refrain from criticizing others, even if you think you've found a receptive ear.

Make an effort to be liked by all.

Be Realistic

Most professional employees are not expected to be productive on their first day on the job. While it is favorable to display a strong desire to get to work, be realistic about what you can really contribute before you are properly oriented. Also, don't dismiss introductory classes as time killers.

If you are anxious, discuss with your supervisors or coworkers what their expectations are for you. Measure your progress against these expectations.

Settle Misunderstandings Immediately

There shouldn't be any big surprises as you complete your new-hire paperwork on your first day. If there are any differences in duties, title, location, compensation or other area between what you expected and what is being offered to you now, speak immediately with your manager or human resources official to reconcile the discrepancies.

The earlier these problems are brought to light, the easier it is to solve them.

Keep Your Schedule Open

Be available for socializing after your first day on the job; you may be asked to venture out when work is complete. Inquire about any upcoming social activities as well, and make an effort to attend some.

Don't turn down any direct invitation unless it is absolutely necessary for you to do so. Relationships are often fortified quickly and strongly away from the workplace, and these bonds can translate into professional success in the workplace. If you decline early invitations to socialize outside of the office, you may be sending a damaging message.

Chris Alfe is a staff writer for thingamajob.com.  He has ten years of experience in staffing and human resources and currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland.

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