Remember, preparation is key to a successful first day at work. Do research about the company and your new role to avoid any embarrassing faux-pas. Find out as much as you can about the company history and their future aims and targets. If possible, get in contact with someone who has a similar job to the one you are about to embark on in order to get some perspective on what will be expected of you in the early stages of your career.
This may sound trivial, but try to prepare your outfit the day before to avoid last minute flapping. Looking the part will inject some extra confidence into your system, and so it is worth giving your first outfit some extra thought. Do not be afraid to get in contact with the company in advanced to find out what the dress code is - you do not want to get yourself a reputation for scruffiness if your work colleagues are in suits and you choose shorts and flip flops to show off your great tan. Equally, you will not feel comfortable in a suit and tie if your colleagues are all in jeans and T-shirts.
Prepare your route to work as carefully as possible, and leave plenty of spare time for getting lost and transport delays. Lateness on your first day will make a very bad impression, and so leave yourself ample time for unfortunate occurrences.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. This is the only way in which you will learn. In order to avoid repeatedly pestering people over the same issues, it will probably be useful to bring a notebook and pen to write down any crucial information.
Make an extra effort to remember people's names. Amidst all the nervous tension, it may be difficult to focus on such details. However, you will find people will warm to you if you have made the effort to engage with them, and will be more likely to help you out of any sticky new job situations.
Say yes! If you get invited to lunch or after work drinks, take the opportunity to network - even if you were planning on meeting your spouse for lunch or going to the cinema after work, getting to know people socially is a great way to fit into the work place and build helpful contacts.
Strike a balance between enthusiasm and over confidence. A smile and a confident handshake will go a long way. However, nobody will be impressed by arrogance and an attitude.
Be thick skinned. Most people will want to help you out on your first day, however all work places have difficult figures. Do not take things too personally if you feel another employee is rude or unhelpful; simply see it as an incentive to prove your worth in the company.
Good luck!
