“Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”
Your first day in a role can be exciting, nerve wracking, maybe even both but with some planning it can help take the pressure out of making a good impression
Timing
Come hell or high water, BE ON TIME! Be aware of what time you are expected to start work and aim to get there at least 15 minutes earlier. Nothing makes a worse first impression than being late on your first day. Many companies have specific rules and sanctions for being late.
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Location
Have a clear understanding of where you need to report to, don’t assume the location of your interview is the same place you will be working. Do a dummy run – make a practise journey, if possible at the same time of day as when you will be travelling to work, this will give you the opportunity to perfect your timing whilst highlighting any problematic errors like road improvements or a packed bus turning away passengers. If you are driving, ask beforehand where you are able to park, the last thing you want at the end of a successful first day is a parking fine!
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Look the Part
Ensure you have a clear understanding of the dress code for the role. The type of role you will be working in will affect what your attire for work will be, some positions may offer a uniform which makes things easy but if there isn’t you need to know if its smart casual, jeans and a t-shirt or suited and booted.
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Distractions
Ensure your mobile phone is switched off, your new colleagues may not share your passion for Justin Bieber’s latest track when you are contacted to discuss the recent road traffic accident you were never involved in! If you do need to be contactable in an emergency for children, ask your new employer if it is ok to give their landline telephone number for you to be contacted on.
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Lunch Arrangements
As you won’t know if there is a staff canteen or a local sandwich bar nearby to purchase something to eat, take a lunch with you and you can find out what provisions are in place throughout your first day.
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Inductions
Most employers will give an induction on your first day, some maybe more extensive than others, it should include information such as fire exits, toilets and lunch breaks but can be quite comprehensive so go prepared, take a notepad and pen so you don’t miss anything important.
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With these things taken care of this leaves you to relax and be yourself and make a great first impression with your new colleagues. Is there anything you think we have missed, we would love to hear your thoughts on what works well for you!
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