While some people are excited about their first day on the job, others can be more nervous or even awkward. To give the best initial impression possible to your superior and new colleagues, look at the tips below and avoid putting yourself under unnecessary pressure, by reminding yourself that in the end your D-Day is a regular day for everyone in the company.
Yes to proximity, no to promiscuity
Your new superior will very often present you to each of his team members – your reflex is a firm handshake, looking them in the eyes, all with a sincere smile. No difficulties at first, except to remember the names of the people presented… If amnesia strikes, make an effort to remember first names. Talking about “what’s-his-name” or “so-and-so” does not have the greatest effect and can leave your colleagues dubious about your willingness to integrate. If there is opportunity to share a few words with your team, be concise and get to the point; in other words, avoid presenting yourself in a convoluted or superficial way. And keep smiling at all times – this little gesture unconsciously puts you in a good light and is contagious. However, you have to know how to be moderate. When you have just arrived, it’s not the time to impress everyone – by extolling your scientific knowledge, announcing that you are going to transform the department or change the software from the dinosaur age – nor is it the place to pass judgement on Alexandra’s hair style, criticize your former boss or recount your personal life in great detail.
Motivation and resourcefulness
While everyone around you is busy, you need to find the right attitude to gather as much information as possible, find out how the organization works, understand the tools and procedures… Refrain from bothering all your colleagues about the slightest doubt or difficulty. Get started, do it yourself and show that you are eager to throw yourself into it, get involved, succeed, understand. As Jacques Brel said, “Talent is the desire to do something.” Don’t hesitate to take notes during these periods of investigation – they will attest to a certain form of rigour and professionalism – and be in the habit of recording your achievements and goals reached – always handy for assessment meetings or when you ask for a raise (but that’s for later!). Even though it’s not advisable to talk to all colleagues in all departments, it might be a good idea to get closer to several people, especially the “dean” of the team who could provide you with valuable information, let you know the codes and internal anecdotes that may be good to know… Last but not least, the boss – consider meeting him fairly soon in a formal manner to ask clearly what he expects from you in this first day, first week and first month.
Whatever your state of mind on this first day, trust yourself – first trust yourself because you have been able to pass the interviews, and then trust your future colleagues who will surely display goodwill to you, themselves having had to go through this famous “first day” some time ago…