You've made it through the application process and the interviews, and made it to the first day of your new job. Starting a new job can be a nerve racking task. Here are some tips to help the first few days at a new job go smoother.
Be Punctual
This is probably one of the most important, after all you do want to show your new boss you take your job seriously. Make sure you'll be on time no matter what. Account for things like traffic, getting ready, parking and getting stuck behind the occasional tractor. A good rule of thumb is to drive the route beforehand to get a better idea of how long it’ll take (yes, Google can be wrong). By having a plan and knowing you'll make it to work on time, it'll make you a little less nervous to start your new job. Plus it never hurts to be 5 or 10 minutes early.
Listen Up
Most of your first days are spent in training, make the most of this. Listen and take notes about anything that's important or that you'll need to remember. It's better to have a bunch of notes on a program you'll never use than to not know how use it.
Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you ask questions about anything you don't understand or need more clarification on. This is your chance to learn, so you don't need to worry about asking questions that may seem stupid to you. It's also a good idea to find a coworker you can ask questions to that are not directly related to your job, like 'where's the bathroom'.
Say Yes To Lunch
If your coworkers or boss ask you to go out to lunch, say yes. This can be a great opportunity to gain some more insights into the company and give you precious face time with your boss. If you're going with coworkers, it'll allow you to get to know those you see and work with on a daily basis on a more personal level.
While starting a new job can nerve racking, it is also an exciting time. Following these tips can help make the transition smoother. What's the best tip you've gotten about starting a new job?