Starting your new job next week?

If so you’ll understandably be a bit nervous! You may have been in the workplace before either through part- time/temporary work or a placement, but starting your first “real” graduate job is a big deal. Your first day and week will probably be a blur of meeting loads of new people, getting yourself organised on your desk and finding your way around the building, but there are certainly a few things you should bear in mind when in the midst of all this. Some are more obvious than others but here are some key tips for the first few weeks:

• Arrive in plenty of time on your first day- check out the times of buses or trains in advance or do a dummy run at rush hour if you’re driving.
• Be alert- there’s a lot to take in during the first few days so you may find you’re really tired at the end of the week. Be good to yourself and have a few early nights.
• Be friendly and courteous at all times. In a way this is like an interview but with lots more people which means it’s important to make a good first impression. Smiles and firm handshakes always work well, as does the ability to listen carefully and ask intelligent questions. Introduce yourself to new colleagues if you’ve not already met them on the office tour, and be positive in your manner.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Most people are only too happy to help you if you’re new- it’s when you ask the same question a few more times that patience can wear thin! Write things down if you’re not sure you’ll remember them and get an office plan/telephone list so you know who to approach.
• Show willing- this doesn’t necessarily mean you volunteer to participate in every project going (you’ll be busy enough in your own role soon enough) but do look out for times when colleagues may need some extra help with something. Most will reciprocate later when you need assistance!
• Be organised. Make sure your diary is kept tidy and up to date, especially if it’s viewable by other colleagues (and your boss). Record important meetings/deadlines/reviews as soon as you hear about them.
• Be conscious of office protocols around such things as mobile phone and internet use. Many organisations ban the use of social networking sites such as Facebook which is understandable; and some have policies on personal use. Restrict personal use to lunchtimes and don’t take personal calls at your desk if you can help it.
• Keep your counsel. Office politics features to some extent in any workplace but it’s advisable not to engage with it while you’re a new kid on the block. Just smile and be the same with everyone and you should be ok!

Finally good luck in your new adventure…