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If you’ve decided to take the plunge and brave a career change, or you’re about to embark on your first real job, then it’s likely you’re a little nervous about what’s to come.
Making sure you’re fully prepared for your new role can help minimise those new starter nerves; it can also help you make a better first impression.
If you’re one of the many of us affected by new job anxiety, or you’re just a bit nervous about starting a new role, there are definitely things you can do to minimise the stress.
To make the transition easier here’s a few handy new job tips, as well as some do’s and don’ts to bear in mind when starting at a new place of work.
Here are our top tips for preparing for a new job.
Starting a New Job Checklist
A checklist of what you need to do when starting a new job can make the whole process a lot easier. It will allow you to rationalise the situation and you’ll be able to prioritise what’s important to you as you begin your new adventure:
Lay out your outfit
If you’re expected to dress up at your new job, sorting your outfit before your first day means you won’t be scrambling around like a nutter in the morning when you can’t find your tights or your lucky tie - because first impressions count, right?
Plan your journey
If you’re going to need to commute to your new job, planning your route is super important. If you’re reliant on public transport, identifying the least stressful option will help you start the day on the right foot.
It’s also worth doing a practice run before the big day, so you can estimate how long the journey will take. Showing up late stressed, sweaty and flustered will not make a great first impression.
Prepare breakfast
A hearty breakfast will give you the energy you need to concentrate on your first day. Often, when things are stressful in the morning, breakfast is the first thing to be overlooked. You may have the intention of grabbing something later in the day, but this might not be possible. The distraction of a rumbling tum could prevent you from properly focusing on the job in hand.
Gather together your personnel documents
Once a job offer has been made and a start date agreed, often you’ll be sent a list of documents that you’ll need to give to HR so they can verify you as an employee.
This will often include things such as photo ID (usually your passport or drivers licence), your National Insurance number, bank details and (if you have one) your P45. If you’re a foreign national, they may also ask you to present paperwork which clarifies your ability to work in the UK
TOP TIP: If they don’t provide you with a list, it’s still a good idea to take these with you rather than wait for them to ask. Being proactive will likely earn you some brownie points early on too!
Pack the essentials
Be sure to take some essentials with you on your first day. A notepad and pen is a must; your new employer may supply them but you don’t want to be caught short if the need arises. If you wear contact lenses, having a backup pair of specs to hand can rescue you if needed. Personal items such as deodorant, hairbrush and make-up will help keep you spruced up throughout the day, too.
Likewise, a spare tie or a cover up of some kind could help save the day from any food related disasters. Talking of food, take a snack or light lunch to cover you should you not be able to go out and get something during the day.
Do your research
Learning the basics about the company you’re going to work for will give you a head start when it comes to your induction. It can also help you contextualise some of their working methods. Make an effort to learn the names of your new colleagues too; that way you won’t come unstuck when you’re introduced.
Prepare some questions
Researching the company might surface a few questions. Note them down so you can put them to your new boss when the opportunity arises. They’ll likely be impressed by your genuine interest and again, learning more about the company and the work you’ll be doing is a great way to help you get into the role, faster.
Get some sleep
We know this is easier said than done when you’ve got new job anxiety, but if you can get it, a good night’s sleep before your first day will prove to be invaluable. Going into your new role when you’re not on top form could mean you’re not able to “perform” to your full potential on what will be a giant learning curve of a day.
First Day of Work Tips
As well as our handy checklist, these top tips for your first day at work could help you settle into your new role:
If it’s possible, take at least a couple of days break between the last day of your old job and the first day of your new one. This will give you time to mentally prepare yourself for the change, and should help settle any first day jitters you may have.
Take time to listen rather than talk. Though your new colleagues will likely want to get to know you, your first day should be dedicated to learning all about your new role and what the company is all about.
That said, don’t withdraw from talking to people; doing so can make you seem aloof and you want to make a good first impression. Be sure to touch base with your new colleagues when you’re on a break or at lunch time, since it can help you establish alliances quickly. Isolating yourself could make it harder to integrate later down the line. The prospect might seem scary, but just remind yourself that everyone had a first day at some point!
Keep it real. Don’t “fake it ‘til you make it”; this doesn’t benefit anyone - especially you. Being genuine from the outset will mean you don’t have to keep up the facade and ultimately, you’ll be able to settle into your new job much faster.
Even if you had a bad time in your old job, don’t talk about how terrible it was with your new colleagues; not until you’ve established yourself anyway. Likewise, screaming about how great your old job was could leave your new company questioning where your loyalties might lie, and wondering why you left in the first place.
Give it a fair chance. If there’s one thing you really need to have when starting a new role, it’s an open mind. Working practices may vary drastically from those that you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean they’re wrong.
The first day of a new role can be intense and will likely be very different to your average workday, so writing it off from the outset may not be the wisest decision. Give it a few days (maybe even weeks) and if you find it’s still not really for you, then consider your options.
Any new job can be super scary but there are things you can do to ease the transition. If you’re worried about what’s to come, we hope our helpful tips will benefit you in some way. Eating a good breakfast and making sure you look fresh as a daisy are just a few things you can do to make your first day a great one. Good luck!
Know someone that’s starting a new job and want to send them your congratulations? Why not send a personalised new job greetings card and package your gift in a personalised new job gift bag?
