Butterflies literally flutter in your stomach on the first day of your new job, doesn’t it?

It is quite a normal feeling.

“I am feeling wee bit jumpy about the first day of my job. I am terrified that I might make mistakes, aunty,” Santhosh told me straightening his tie nervously.

I thought it was natural for the young boy to feel flustered and keyed up about the first day of his new job.

“It is normal to feel nervous, Santhosh. But even if you feel so, do not show it. Be confident and assertive. Be friendly with everyone. And even if your colleagues do not reciprocate your friendliness, understand that it is nothing personal. They will unwind as they get used to you,” I advised him.

“Ok aunty, I will do my best” Santhosh smiled at me, swallowing his nervousness.

I am sure you too feel jittery on the first day of your new job.

When you are new to your job, you naturally feel nervous about your colleagues\ boss\ nature of your work\your performance.

“Will I cope with the new environment?”

“Will my boss like my work?”

Doubting questions, aren’t they?

You are all tied up into nervous knots as you start for your work.

Do not worry.

Here are simple professional tips to put your best foot forward in the first day of your new job.

1. Be punctual

Punctuality is a sure implication of your sincerity. When you are late in the first day of your new job, it creates a negative opinion about you.

So, get up early in the morning so that you are not caught in a traffic jam.

Keep aside the things you need the night before itself.

• Iron the dress you are going to wear.
• Polish your shoes.
• Keep the socks beside the shoes
• Start early from home, giving room for the late arrivals of transportation and the heavy traffic.
• Have a healthy breakfast before you start. You need the energy to see you through the day, don’t you?

Nothing looks bad than a late arrival on the very first day of your new job. Arrive at least 15 minutes before time so that you can access your work environment.

2. Be well-groomed

You can easily draw appreciation in the first day of your new job if you are well-groomed.

Confirm beforehand if there is any dress code in your workplace. If there is, strictly adhere to it.

• Never dress in loud colors. It will be a distraction.
• Your hair should be well combed.
• Cut your nails.
• Be well shod.
• Lengthy danglers and gaudy lipstick is a big no for women.
• No freaky hairstyle for men.

Your total appearance should dignified, elegant, and very professional. You should attract the management and your colleagues by your classic dress sense.

Being well-groomed is one of the topmost ingredients for success in your work.

3. Introduce yourself

Never wait for your colleagues to introduce themselves. Usually on the first day of your new job, you cannot expect them to be outgoing and friendly with you. A new comer is always viewed warily.

• Introduce yourself to your colleagues
• Do not take up too much of their time.
• Do not be too garrulous.
• Do not be too stiff and formal.
• Be friendly and easy to connect.
• Do not put on airs as if you are very intelligent.

4. Switch off your mobile or keep it in silent mode

Do not create a negative impression by having personal conservation with your family.

Keep your mobile in the silent mode, when you are with your boss.

You do not want your mobile to ring when you are with your boss, do you?

Do not keep checking your mobile for messages under your table.

Keep it in your pocket. Do not take it out.

A small but effective way to show you are a professional to the dot.

5. Never talk ill of your former company

Do not say negative things about your former company on the first day of your job.

• Never go on rhetoric about your fame in your former job.
• Never talk negatively about your former boss.
• Do not compare your old job and your present one.

It has a definite negative impact with your colleagues.

6. No personal questions about the boss\higher officials.

You are naturally curious about the life of your boss\ higher officials.

• Refrain from asking curious questions about the personal life of your boss.
• Do not get involved in office gossips.
• Do not also get involved in office politics.

6. Do not be too particular about your timings

Be prepared to stay for longer time on the first day of your new job.

• Do not rush out as soon as your work hours are over.
• Get an overall impression of your workplace atmosphere.
• You will get into the bad books of the management, if you are too finicky about your timings.

The impression, that you are prepared to stay back for extra work is always received well by the company.

7. Self-confidence creates good impression

Be self-confident in your behavior.

• But be very careful that your self-confidence is not overly and too much. It becomes arrogance.
• It puts off your colleagues.
• Have a smiling face when you are talking with your colleagues.
• No one likes talking with a stiff and glum person.
• Have direct eye contact when you interact with others- a sure sign of your confidence

8. Concentrate on your work

Your concentration should be pencil sharp.

• Never let your concentration waver.
• Research about your work during your free time.
• You can ask your colleagues to help you know your work better.

When you are sincere and humble, your colleagues are more than ready to help you.

9. Be informed about the dos and don’ts of your job.

Each and every company have their rules and regulations. You do not want to break it the first day in your new job.

• Ask your colleagues to inform you about the dos and don’ts of your company.
• Never break any rules.
• Always remember there will be a spy among your colleagues who backbites about you to the management.
• Be very careful not to talk out of turn about the company\boss\management.

10. Be very active

You should not be dull and lethargic during your work hours.

• Be active and smart.
• Interact with friendliness with your colleagues.
• Do not amble about in your work place.
• Your strides should be firm and confident.
• Never display boredom in your face.
• Look alert and intelligent.

Conclusion

“A new job is not a new beginning. It is a path to create a new ending.” – Unknown.

Be curious to learn new things. Be assertive and poised. Never feel nervous. Be self-assured and self- confident.

Your first day in your new job might sometimes make you apprehensive and nervous.

Do not worry.

As days passes, you will take giant steps towards your success when you keep you dedication and sincerity intact.