First day at work: tips for getting started

The first day at work in a new company is something very special for everyone. Whether you’re just starting your career or simply changing jobs, you’ll find everything you need to know here: First day at work: tips for getting started.

First day at work: these are the expectations including tips

On the first day of work, a certain amount of uncertainty is noticeable despite a great deal of professional experience. In addition to this, there are usually high expectations on both sides.

Your own expectations

A first day at work is always very special and these tips will help you make a good first impression. Your own expectations are usually enormous because you simply want to get everything right from the start. You want to show that you are the right choice for the position. Here are 3 of the biggest expectations:

1. the first impression

First impressions count and many people think so: Just don’t make a mistake! Of course, you don’t want to embarrass yourself at the beginning and that’s why most people strive for perfection, especially in the first few days.

But don’t drive yourself crazy. Nobody is perfect and, above all, you can’t know everything about your new job right from the start. It’s better to shift down a gear and be attentive.

2. familiarization

As a new employee, you have certain expectations of the upcoming induction. After all, you want to be prepared as well as possible for the tasks ahead.

Ask proactively whether there is a mentoring program, for example, or how the onboarding process works. The more you ask, the more you will find out what really matters and what you need to know.

3. the team

Another important aspect is the team. Of course, as a new employee, you first have to warm up to your colleagues. Nobody wants to feel excluded, so it’s important to make contacts from day 1.

Nevertheless, take things slowly. You can’t get to know all your colleagues at once. Go for lunch with your colleagues, have a coffee or chat for 5 minutes in the corridor or after a meeting.

This is a bit of a challenge, especially when working from home these days. However, you can make virtual lunch appointments or socialize via chat.

Employer expectations

But it’s not just you who has high expectations of the new job and everything that goes with it, but also the employer.

Here we have also recorded 3 aspects for you that may be important to the employer.

1. the certificate of competence

You are not the only one who wants to prove that you are just right for the job. The employer naturally wants to see this too and hopes to have made the right choice with you.

2. team compatibility

Of course, the employer also wants you to feel comfortable and fit in well with the team. To this end, they should help you and take you to relevant meetings. This way, you will learn more about your responsibilities and get to know new colleagues.

It is also a good idea to start with a kind of tour of the company so that you have seen all the employees and know what the departments are responsible for.

What is important here is that this point is not a one-way street and is only dependent on one person, but on all those involved.

3. the performance

Of course, the boss wants a new committed team member with a quick grasp of things and a steep learning curve.

But remember, nobody can know or be able to do everything from the outset.

So be aware that this is only the first day. There will (hopefully) be many more days with this employer. And if you do make a mistake, this is human and not unforgivable. Just enjoy the “puppy protection” for as long as you can.

Checklist: Tips for your first day at work

As exciting as the first day at your new workplace is, there are a few important points you should bear in mind.

Accordingly, we have put together a handy little checklist of dos and don’ts for the first working day.

Be on time: Don’t arrive at the last minute
Get to know your team: make a note of new names
The workplace: Set up your desk
Show commitment: Ask questions
Familiarization: absorb information
Maintain contacts: get into conversation with others
Call it a day: Don’t leave too early

There are a few little things you should avoid on your first day at work.

Leave your smartphone in your pocket
Don’t be a know-it-all
Take breaks when your colleagues do.

Tip for the employer: Onboarding gift for the 1st working day

It is worth so much when you are welcomed kindly and sincerely. It gives new colleagues a feeling of appreciation right from the start of the employment relationship. If the employer wishes them a good start to their new job on their first day, this will go down well with both the team and the new employee.

Of course, new colleagues should not expect to receive a gift, but it is still a nice feeling when they do receive a few goodies. Gifts with the company logo are also very nice. This immediately creates a sense of belonging.

Onboarding gifts for the 1st working day can be as follows:

Cup
Water bottle
Lunchbox
Sweater / T-Shirt
Notepad & pen
Noise-canceling headphones
Snacks & sweets
Meal voucher
Plants for the workplace

We hope that this article has given you a good overview of the different expectations on your first day in your new job. We would also be delighted if you put some of our tips into practice yourself.