Your first day at a new job may challenge you in ways you can't predict. To reduce the stress of your first day:
Think about what's likely to happen
The first day of work varies from workplace to workplace. Some jobs give you a settling-in period; others expect you to start productive work straight away.
Induction
If your new job is with a large company, they might have a standard induction or orientation program prepared for you. It could last for an hour, half a day or as long as several weeks, depending on the job and the company. This program will tell you about your new employer, explain your employment conditions and rules, and give you training on how to do your job.
In small to medium-sized businesses, induction may be less formal. Instead, you may be expected to start working and be introduced to 'the way we do things around here' as you go.
Basic information
The basics that you should find out on your first day are:
- where the kitchen and toilets are
- where the fire exits are
- whether you need to fill out a time sheet - and if so, where to find it and how to complete it
- your starting and finishing times
- when your break times are, and how long breaks should be
- who you report to, and how to find them.
The induction checklist lists other things you might find out on your first day.
Your supervisor's expectations
In your first meeting with your supervisor, make sure you find out:
- what they expect of you, today and in your job generally
- all of your specific responsibilities
- the limits of your authority.
Make sure your supervisor knows that you want to do your job well, and that you would appreciate any constructive feedback they can give you about your performance.
Rememeber:
Keep the induction checklist handy. It will remind you about the information you need, just in case your supervisor doesn't tell you. You should ask about the items relevant to your job some time during the first few days of your employment.
Take everything you need
Having everything you need right there with you makes you look and feel confident, smart and well organised. Be ready to cope with anything in terms of food and drink, equipment and information.
Lunch and drinks
You don't want to come back to work late from your first lunch break. There might not be anywhere you can buy lunch at work, or nearby. Or the local cafe might be very busy, or expensive. Or they might take a long time to prepare lunches. For all these reasons, it's a good idea to take your own lunch with you on that first day.
Also, not all workplaces provide tea, coffee or filtered drinking water, so if you rely on any of these things, take some supplies with you.
Pen and paper
There's a lot of new information to absorb on your first day at work. It helps to note it down as you go, so that you don't forget it have to ask people to repeat it later. Also, there'll probably be some paperwork to fill out. You'll look organised if you take your own pen (check that it works!), and a fresh notebook with you.
Information
On the first day you'll probably have to complete some paperwork, such as tax forms, forms to get your pay or your security pass, or to connect you to a computer or e-mail.
Information you're likely to need includes:
- details of two people your employer can contact in an emergency
- your driver's licence
- your Tax File Number (TFN) [opens in new window]
- details of the bank account your pay is to go into, including your bank's BSB number (in case your pay is electronically credited). Ring your bank or credit union to find out their BSB number, or look it up on a bank statement.
- details of your preferred superannuation fund (in case you have a choice, or if you've been with the employer's nominated fund before).
Plan to make a good first impression
You'll want to appear calm, confident and competent on your first day of work. Here are some simple ways to make that happen.
Punctuality
Aim to arrive at work ten to fifteen minutes early. This will show that you're organised and keen. Make allowances for any likely delays in traffic or public transport.
Take only the time allotted for work breaks. Return to work promptly after each break, not a few minutes late.
Your mobile phone
If you won't need your mobile phone for work, turn it off, so that no one interrupts you on this important day. It doesn't look good if you take a call, or even if your mobile rings, during induction training. Make calls only during your breaks.
Find out and follow the company's rules about mobile phones and on making and receiving personal calls.
A positive attitude
It's natural to feel a little anxious on your first day, but if you behave confidently and cheerfully, you'll feel a lot better and people will respond well to you.
Keep your head up, your posture straight, and maintain eye contact with anyone who is talking to you. Be ready to smile whenever it's appropriate.