Start As You Mean To Go On

Most of us are familiar with that feeling of starting a new office job. Especially women who choose to have a varied career and like to move around in their field. But does that feeling of being the new person on the team ever get any easier?

Usually there is a sleepless night before the first day with that built up mental angst about the unknown. There is a carefully chosen outfit hanging outside the wardrobe waiting to be put on, with maybe a Plan B behind it just in case the mood has changed. It’s usually a low key style and colour, not to give too much away on the first day. And then it’s a cup of coffee and showtime.

No matter who you are or what role you are starting, there is always going to be some level of apprehension about a new start. Some women who are moving to a role that is in their area of expertise are usually more confident as they will likely hit the ground running. But many women have those same butterflies in their stomach praying for the first day to be over.

Here are 10 valuable tips from my own experiences & online research

1. Don’t try too hard to make a good first impression. Just be yourself and not that stand-up comedian you feel has to break the ice with cheesy jokes. This is one mistake that I often make but would recommend avoiding - leave the humour to the others on the first day.

2. Make a conscious decision to remember names. This is often difficult when being introduced to so many new colleagues but if you make an effort to take a mental note of names, it looks like you’ve been listening.

3. Shake hands when being introduced but don’t force it if you feel the other team member is not forthcoming with their hand. Since COVID, some people are still a bit wary about germs. (Don’t take it personally!)

4. Go for the tea break and lunch when invited. This goes without saying although it can be daunting. Remember that it is probably as much of a strain for everyone else too so just roll with it.

5. Ask questions - we all know that expression that there is no such thing as a stupid question. I beg to differ on this one as there has to be stupid questions asked on a first day, it’s a given. But just don’t ask what time can you go home!

6. If you are in a role that is reporting to a manager, try to establish their expectations.This will go beyond the first day but it is good to get going on it from the start.

7. Take notes on any technical training and procedures you are being given because you won’t remember!

8. Start as you mean to go on. Don’t try to do tasks that are beyond your capabilities or not part of your role description. Once you start, it’s difficult to stop.

9. If you begin to feel stressed, tired or overwhelmed throughout the day, go to the restroom and try to reset. Take deep breaths, put on some lipstick or gloss and drink a glass of water. And get any yawning out of your system.

10. Keep smiling. This will relax you as well as others around you. But not too much - if you feel your jaw seizing up, take a break now and then.