Starting a new job can be scary yet exciting, here we share our 6 top tips for acing your first week at work and making a good impression.
1. Plan your journey
To ace your first week at work, it is important that you arrive to work on time consistently. If you drive or use public transport to travel then you might not know how long the journey will take. It’s important to remember that traffic could make your journey longer. Do a trial run to your place of work before your first day to plan what time you need to leave the house in order to arrive early. Arriving early is better than arriving late and will show that you have good time management and organisational skills which are valued by employers.
2. Plan what to wear and dress appropriately
First impressions count during your first week at work and beyond, so make sure you dress in line with your new employer’s dress code, whether that’s wearing a uniform or your own clothing. If in doubt, make yourself look presentable and professional. Your clothes and shoes must be clean (and clothing ironed). You should remember to wear or bring with you any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is needed for your role such as steel cap boots, a high viz vest, safety goggles etc unless your employer has agreed they will be arranging this for you.
3.Be mindful of your hygiene
Along with dressing appropriately, it is important to take care of your hygiene to make sure you ace your first week at work and beyond. Make sure you have had a wash before coming into work and make sure you have used deodorant. It is also vital that your hair, teeth and nails are all clean to make sure you make a good impression!
4. Introduce yourself and communicate positively
It is absolutely ok to feel nervous during your first week at work. There is a lot to take in. You will meet lots of new faces, learn about your new role and how it works and you will also learn more about the company. Try to make eye contact with your colleagues when introducing yourself, listen carefully and display positive and open body language such as smiling and unfolded arms.
5. Ask questions and write things down
When you start a new job, there’s lots to learn, so asking questions during your first week and beyond can be helpful for you and show employers that you care about the work you are going to do. Asking questions shows you have initiative and curiosity which is attractive to employers. It’s a good idea to write things down when you are given the answers to your questions.
6.Review all employee paperwork carefully
During your first week at work, you will usually have an induction where you can find out more about the company and its policies, including health and safety, annual leave, sickness, lateness, breaks and other important information and guidance. These might be printed out for you to sign or they may be available online for you to read and sign. Make sure you read these carefully and don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have. Keep your copies safe so you can refer back to them if you need to in the future to make sure you doing things in line with the company’s policies. Not following policies can lead to disciplinary action.
Blog written by: Vicky Holmes
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