Congratulations you’ve got the job! But don’t pop open the champagne bottle just yet…

You still have to get past the first day. The “oh no, what do I wear” and “will I remember everyone’s name” thoughts start flowing into your head. For most people, you are joining an extended family filled with Happy Hours and weekend BBQ’s so you definitely want to make a great first impression to your co-workers, but still uphold that hard working and motivated persona you described to your future boss throughout the interview process.

Sounds like online dating if you ask me. Going through a long process to find someone online by showing off your “professional and impressive” attributes is hard enough, just like an interview process. But finally meeting face-to-face, a.k.a. your first day, can be nerve racking since finding a balance between having a good time and still showcasing professional qualities can be difficult.

Here are some recommendations on how to not just survive but thrive on your first day:

Dress appropriately. Go as far as researching online similar outfits that you saw your boss wear to the interview. Even if your company is casual, dressing nice will catch attention in a positive way. Although the interview was a first impression, the first day is even more crucial to show that you are prepared and ready to work. Looking like you forgot to shower is obviously a no-go.

Don’t have your cell phone out the first day. Unless you are expecting something that is an emergency, your whole attention should be on your new job. It doesn’t look good to your boss if you have your cell phone out or if your Facebook is up, especially on the first day because it may show that you are distracted easily or you don’t seem interested in the job.

Smile. Smiles are contagious and can boost your mood. It has also been proven that smiling can lead to promotions because it makes the person seem more attractive, sociable, and confident. You should be happy you got the job anyway, so keep smiling!

Don’t be afraid to ask co-workers questions. Unless it is something major that only your new boss can answer, ask a co worker if they can help you with something if they have some extra free time. This will lead to you remembering their name, and an incentive to talk about something.

Go to lunch. Even if you brought something to eat, if your co workers and/or boss are going to lunch, go with them if they offer. This is a crucial time to get to know the employees because you are not busy with work and you are able to talk about something other than what tasks you need to get done. Understanding your co worker’s outside life will lead you to not only remember their names, but to also understand their personalities and interests.

Hopefully these recommendations help. And remember, just because you only have one first day does not mean it needs to be a stressful one!

Guest Article Submitted By: Corinne Dickey, BAJobs.com

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