Beginning a brand new job can be nerve-wracking at best.  Lisa Xing tells you how to impress your employers and get along with your co-workers.
The first day at a new job can be tough enough, but then there’s all that anxiety before the actual day.  And, of course, after the first day, there’s the warm-up period where you’re not too sure of your position or don’t really know your colleagues.  This can be a very stressful time for you and can do a number on your nerves.  Here are a few tips on how to not only succeed at your job, but also keep yourself collected during the trial period of your first month at a new job.

Before the Big Day

There’s no question about it — you’re nervous from the very first interview for the job to the time they call you with the news.  Then after the big excitement that you actually got the job, you may immediately start worrying about the actual job itself:  the obligations, the requirements for your position, getting along with your boss and co-workers and getting ahead.  You just have to tell yourself that no matter what, the first day will still come and no matter how much you fret over it, worrying will most likely cause you more and more distress.  It also probably won’t change the outcome of how your first day goes.  

Keep telling yourself this and instead of dwelling on the negative possibilities, channel your nervous energy toward the positive.  Ask yourself what you can do to be the most prepared on your first day on the job.  Can you research the company and its people to have a better idea of their ideals?  Can you watch the news and read the papers?  Every little bit helps and it will show.

The First Day

If you’re like most people, you’ll most likely be nervous on your first day and especially the night before and the morning right before you walk in the doors.  No matter how difficult, try your best to get a solid night’s sleep so you’re alert and ready to go all day.  Also, wake up early and give yourself extra time in the morning to get ready, eat a good breakfast and have a few minutes to try to relax.  Take some deep breaths and again, just tell yourself that having the jitters won’t really change how the day goes.  Be ready to jump in and forget about those nerves.

Ask Questions

While at work, probably the most important thing you can do besides appearing and acting presentable and professional (yet friendly) is to ask plenty of questions.  Don’t be embarrassed and don’t worry whether or not people will be annoyed, because they most likely will be more than happy to help you out.  Also, the first few weeks are when you’ll most likely be trained with someone so that you can eventually do the job yourself.  Absorb as much information as you possibly can by asking questions, so that when the time does come for you to go solo, you can do it with confidence.

Be Open

Another essential thing to keep in mind is that you’re bound to make mistakes or not understand certain things the first time around.  This is why you should go in with an open mind and be open to criticisms and suggestions.  If you don’t understand something, say so and ask someone to explain it or repeat it.  It will help you in the long run.  Also, if you get criticism or suggestions, take them well and ask how you can improve next time.  These first few weeks are critical to building a solid knowledge and skill base.  This is why you should not be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

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keep calm

The most important thing to remember is that starting a new job is always going to freak you out a bit, but everybody goes through the same anxieties at some point.  Once you settle in and get used to your surroundings and new people, you’ll wonder why you were ever nervous.