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The Do's and Don'ts for your first day of work.



Nailing your first day at work


You have spent weeks going through the straining processes and paperwork in your quest to land the job, after that final signature you are finally an employee. Now your first day of work is almost guaranteed to be stressful and awkward. You tend to over think your first day and try too hard to find your place. Relax, take is easy and just go with the flow. Nobody is expecting anything from you yet, except to smile and wave. These tips will help you prepare for this day and be a guide on what to do on the days that follow.





Show up early.


This is you first step in showing your seriousness and commitment to your new role. This is imperative in not only work but in life as well. Being early will usually be accompanied by a cup of coffee, this also gives you an opportunity to meet your peers. Before the working day starts, employees will stand around and make small talk. This will be an opportunity to get some insights before HR takes you on your “meet and greet” walk.




Prepare an elevator pitch.


Prepare a 30 second elevator pitch that details who you are and where you come from. Many colleagues will ask you where you come from in an effort to make small talk and to get to know you. You might as well prepare yourself for this interaction and hit them with a polished answer.




Prepare and ask questions


Your first day is more about listening, although it won’t hurt to prepare a few practical and general questions to ensure you align yourself properly in your new role. Don’t be too invasive when asking questions, nobody is expecting you to master your role just yet.




Don't try too hard


We all know the urge to impress, especially on your first day. Remember you are already hired so don’t try too hard. You will only end up creating the impression that you are trying too hard. Impressing your new colleagues will come naturally and will happen over time.




Listen and observe


The best thing you can do on your first day is to listen and observe. Do not express any strong opinions. Simply smile, be friendly and meet new people. This will be the opportunity to try and figure out the bigger picture for the company and to align yourself with the goals and culture.




Put your cell phone on silent


This is common sense, you need to give undivided attention.




ProCV 

Contact us
JM Klopper:      072 433 8392
F Bodenstein:   061 650 4969
Email:                procv@multitalented.co.za


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