Make a Winning Impression on Your First Day of Work

You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression, so get ready to take some notes! Pete and Ricky are here to share everything you need to know about making your first day of work great on today’s episode of the Finding Career Zen podcast.

From arrival to departure, Pete and Ricky run through everything you should know before your first day to ensure it runs smoothly. Knowing what to expect, like how to dress, where to park, and even what you’ll do for lunch, can guarantee you make a successful first impression and feel confident doing so.

Are you nervous about your first day of work? We can help! Tune into this episode for some great advice to calm those nerves, and check out our things to consider before your first day of work checklist to make sure you are ready to go. Good luck!

Advice for making a great first impression:

• Don't assume anything. Anytime you walk into a new situation, you're bound to have questions. The best way to alleviate those doubts is by asking about what to expect. It's natural to be nervous. Both sides want your first day to go as smoothly as possible.
• Ask for an employee handbook in advance. This is a great thing to review in advance if the company will provide it to you. Reading through it will arm you with as much info as possible going in on the first day.
• Your first day is not the time to showcase your skills unless you're asked. It's the time to listen, ask questions, and really take in what the culture has to offer. Don't feel the need to perform early on, no one's expecting that of you. Go in looking to learn and absorb as much information as you can.
• It's better to show up overdressed than underdressed. You never want to show up underdressed in a professional setting, and you definitely don't want to stand out in the wrong way. Remember that every environment has its own culture and expectations for dress code.
• Take a test run before your first day. If you’re in person, make the drive ahead of time (and at the same time!) and find out where to park to ensure you arrive at least 20 minutes early. If you’re virtual, make sure all of your technology works in advance and show up 2 minutes early on Zoom.
• Be eager, be hungry, and be willing to be coachable. Don't let your ego get the best of you, you will have so much to learn about your new organization. Create a foundation to have a solid career with the company and don’t get hung up on what’s in your job description. If you want to stand out, you must go above and beyond.