Starting a New Job

Remember the first day on a new job? How did it go? Did it fulfill your expectations? Did you think and feel you had made the right decision? What might you have done differently? Well, if you are starting a new job this summer these tips might be helpful in putting your best foot forward.

  • Get up early enough to get ready in a relaxed, calm manner. Eat a good breakfast. Don’t argue or fight with a family member, you need to sty as positive and focused as you can possibly be.
  • Know what you are going to wear, that it fits and you look great. Whether you wear a uniform, overalls or a suit or dress slacks, be well groomed, neat and clean. You don’t have to be a walking designer rack to look good; consignment stores have fantastic deals for men and women as does Goodwill and Value Village.
  • Pack your lunch the night before. Now is a good time to make the commitment to yourself that you will not eat lunch at your desk anymore.
  • Know the route to the location and how long it will take to get there, allow extra time for the unexpected.
  • Pre- arrange a meeting with your supervisor for when you arrive. Get caught up on what has happened with the company and the position’s requirements since you were hired.
  • Have personal and identification papers ready to complete hiring forms including your SIN number, doctors’ addresses and phone numbers, Drivers License and health care card. Bring stationary and pens, etc in case they are not equipped for you. Bring a cell phone in case they don’t have a line or desk ready for your immediate use.
  • Arrange your affairs so you do not have any personal calls, minimally the first day.
  • Be flexible if you are asked for lunch. If alone, go somewhere relaxing and accessible. You might want to eat in the lunch room the first week so as to meet people from other departments and to find out the local scoop on restaurants, luncheon habits, and who’s who.
  • Save transportable items to personalize your workspace for week two; save family photos until you are settled. A jar of candies is welcoming and inviting right from day one.
  • Don't book any extra curricular activities for that first evening. Be available to stay late if asked.

To learn more about how to start a new job on the right foot, read Roy Blitzer and Jacquie Reynolds-Rush’s book, “Find the Bathrooms First!
by Colleen Clarke, Career specialist & corporate trainer, article taken from Toronto 24 Hours
author of Networking How to Creatively Tap Your People Resources
csc@colleenclarke.com
www.colleenclarke.com
416-686-3079
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