The "First First" Day

I’d usually start my blog with the cheerful, if not rather assumptive, greeting of “Hello, Fellow Job Hunters”, but I shan’t hold back in telling you that a recent development renders me no longer part of the job-hunting crew. That’s right, as of this Monday, I have officially been employed in my first post-university role! I never thought I’d see the day, but the day came and went.

Thankfully, this development suggests that any advice on the graduate job-seeking process that I’ve previously dished out on this blog stands a chance of being at least half decent, which bodes well for any future posts on the matter, of which I’m sure there’ll be many!

So, as one might expect, this new chapter of my life – despite being only five days long – has granted me with a new perspective and, as a result, a brand-new angle to take on my blog. While I’ll still be sharing advice on applications, CVs, interviews and more, I can now substantiate this advice with real, working experience, which I hope goes some in way proving that maybe – just maybe – I did do something right.

With this in mind, what better time to blog about the rather cliché but undeniably seismic event of the famous first day, and not only that, but the “first first” day! Your very first day in the working world after finishing university. Whether you walk in like you own the place or, like me, run around jotting everything down on a notepad to examine and revise later, no one can deny being the least bit nervous on their first day. And that’s completely understandable: walking into the unknown is rarely an entirely un-resounding experience, after all.

What can be particularly hard is having to get used to an entirely new routine: not only are you in new environment but your entire week has been restructured, which usually means earlier alarms, harder commutes and longer days. As well as this, it can be a real adjustment going from being in the oldest year group at uni – where you know your way round, are confident in your abilities and are on a first name basis with your lecturers and peers – to being the new kid on the block once more. All your comforts are stripped away and, no matter how high and mighty you may have been at uni, “first first” days still have the ability to make you feel like a child at a new school: lost, shy and full of doubt.

So, what can be done to make this “first first” day run as smoothly as possible? I’m not saying that it will pass without a hiccup – after all, you’ve got a lot to learn – but there are definitely things that you can do to help yourself out, calm your nerves and create a great impression to your new colleagues…

The 3 Ps: Prepared, Punctual, Professional

This one starts before you even enter your new workplace but can be vitally important in setting you off to the best possible start. I know it’s likely that you will have already completed some research on the company in order to prepare for your interview(s), but doing a bit of reading around the organisation, its purpose and its people is always good practice in the days before starting a new job. You’ll walk in feeling less like a clueless newcomer and more like you know a bit about what you’re doing.

In the same vein, showing up on time (if not a little early) and well-presented is of the utmost importance. You’ll have already gotten a feel for the company’s dress code during your previous visits but, if in doubt, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed! Likewise, arriving promptly (or, I’d say, no more than 10 minutes early) will contribute to your new employer’s first impression of you, which is crucial in setting you off on the right foot.

Make Friends

Not in the kind of pushy way your parents encouraged you to when starting school, but it is a good idea to get chatting to people early on. Show an interest in them and what they’re doing and if you’re lucky enough to be invited to lunch or out for drinks after work, the answer – at least initially – should always be “yes”. These events, however informal, give you a great opportunity to get to know your new colleagues, which will only work in your favour in the long run.

Ask Questions

This one’s a toughie as it’s really easy to shrink into yourself on your first day, especially when you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing, and sit there trying to look busy and calm when inside alarm bells are ringing and, frankly, you want to go home. As a newbie, it’s natural to feel like a pest when asking existing employees for help, but it’s also natural to need a bit of guidance: you’re brand new, after all! So, don’t be afraid to ask for help, no one is going to judge you for it.

Write Everything Down

Now, this one may not work for everyone but, personally, I have found it to be really useful. Rather than having to ask everyone to repeat instructions several times, take a little more time and write down “How To” notes for yourself. Whether it’s how to complete a task that needs doing daily or even just how to work the coffee machine, writing notes down will allow you get on with things more independently: creating a great impression of you as well as boosting your confidence.

Be Proactive

Again, this one is easier said than done, but showing a level of proactivity and being able to use your initiative is really important during your first week, when you are yet to develop a routine of your own. Never sit there not knowing what to do, always ask if there’s anything you can do to help and, if not, get stuck in to some work of your own: learn your way around the computer system, familiarise yourself with the office layout and learn how to use machinery like printers and scanners. Showing that you’re capable of using your initiative on your first day is super important.

For any of you who have recently accepted a job offer and are yet to start, hopefully these tips will come in handy. First days are never easy and may even require some acting on your part, but as long as you remain calm, polite and diligent, you really can’t go too far wrong.

In any case, whether you’re still applying or awaiting your start, I wish you every bit of luck in your new career! Your future awaits you and, as scary as that may seem, it's also really exciting!

Best of Luck,

E x