Excel in your first day at work

Congratulations! You have succeeded in getting the job you want and you have worked hard to get it, so you should be proud of yourself and looking forward to your first day….

Whether you are an introvert, or not, the prospect of leaving your comfy chair and moving to a new job, with a new crowd could be a bit daunting. Here are a few tips to help with your transformation.

First impressions count, so remember to smile

Most likely, all of your new colleagues will come over and introduce themselves. People are generally nice. And don’t worry about having to remember all of their names from the first day.

However, you should ask them questions about their job as it will help you do your job better and will create a positive impression. Let your colleagues know that you’re available to lend a helping hand. A little goodwill goes a long way.

Don’t act like a scared mouse when someone speaks with you! You earned your place and you belong here! Pay attention to your body language and stay open and welcoming.

Food, glorious food

Everybody loves food and there are few ways you can take advantage of this!

Discover when people are going to take their lunch and join them. People love to be social and this would be a non-awkward way to start a conversation.

Maybe you have tried a new restaurant with amazing food? Be its promoter and organise an evening out with your co-workers!

If your job entails travelling, ask your host to take you to a local dining place – it will be a good way to get to know more about one another than a formal 1 hour meeting in a boardroom.

Keep the conversation flowing

Don’t reply with short answers or the conversation will stop very soon, and so will the attempts of befriending you. Engage in conversations and give information about you and your personality. You could even throw in a joke or two to keep your audience interested, and don’t forget to ask about their stories as well!

Holidays

As much we love our job, everybody is looking forward to summer and their summer escape. This, is in most cases, will be a good topic to approach with colleagues. A trip to Jamaica with the significant other? A trip in the countryside with the children? You might pick up some ideas too.

Considering you will spend 8 hours per day, 5 days a week at work, it’s important to create lasting connections with your co-workers as they can have either a positive or negative impact in your working day.