First Day Butterflies...

Congrats!! You just landed a new job which means all those countless hours of resume refining, research and interview practice have paid off! So why the nerves?! You clearly impressed with your resume and handled the interview jitters well enough to stand out from fellow applicants and you obviously have the right skill and attributes for the job. 

So take a few deep breaths and remind yourself of the following tips when the butterflies in your tummy begin to get the better of you… 

Preparation

Think of your first day as an extended interview and prepare accordingly. Plan to arrive early to work to give yourself time to settle into your new surroundings, chat to your colleagues and your boss. Your preparation can start the night before work as well! Get plenty of sleep and put some thought into your work attire.

Dress for success

Do your research and take into consideration what is usually worn in your new workplace. However, for your first day, take this idea and add a touch extra to ensure that you’re making a good first impression. For instance, if the office attire includes trousers and a button up shirt, add on a tie to your first day outfit.

Make a good first impression

Now that you have your outfit sorted, make sure that your body language is open and welcoming. Take the initiative to say hello to people in your new office and ask them a little about their jobs. Not only will this make you feel more at ease, it gives you an opportunity to discover some useful information about your new organisation.

Confidence is key

Be confident, not cocky. Show enough confidence in yourself so that your new work colleagues won’t doubt your position in the organisation. One way to show your confidence is to put yourself out there and invite your colleagues to lunch. 

Relax!

Don’t forget to breathe! Remember that first day nerves are completely normal and will subside in time once you start getting into a routine. Don’t feel disheartened from an unsettling first day. Remind yourself why you were so excited when you landed the job and more importantly, that you were hired because somebody believed that you could succeed in that role.