How to Get Ready for Your First Day in a New Job

First day jitters come with every new job. After the euphoria of accepting the job offer has worn off, you start to get a bit anxious about what the new company will be like, and if co-workers will accept you. Not to mention getting to know your way around the company and learning the names of bosses and peers in other departments. Before reporting for work for the first time, you will feel more confident and present a professional image if you take these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Plan to arrive at your new workplace 15 -30 minutes in advance of the time you were asked to report.

2. Make sure you have the necessary transportation to get to the job. Prepare a backup plan for emergency transportation.
   
   a) If you'll be getting to work by car, take care of any needed repairs during the week before you start the new job.
   
   b) If you plan to commute by train or bus, check on schedules and pick one that gets you to the new job 30-45 minutes before starting time to allow for delays.
   
   c) Map out the best route to take to avoid traffic problems.
   
   d) Find out if the company has a parking garage or offers employee discounts for parking in nearby paid lots.

3. Sometime during the week before you start the new job, take a test drive to the job site at a time you would normally be going to work.

4. To present a professional image, check your grooming and plan what you will wear for each day during your first week on the job.
   
   a) Get your hair cut and/or styled.
   
   b) Give yourself a manicure and pedicure.
   
   c) Check to see if shoes need to be repaired and other items are in good condition.
   
   d) Refresh your wardrobe by washing and dry cleaning all items.

5. Take care of any medical appointments before your first day. Try to avoid asking for time away from the new job-especially during the first 3 months.

6. Make any necessary child care arrangements including 2 back-up solutions in case the first one breaks down stops working.

7. Make a to-do list of all the things you would like to learn or achieve during your first week in the new job. Include all the people you wish to meet as well as the job responsibilities you will fulfill.

Resources

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[SeventhSibling]

on 9/21/2008 Good advice.