This is a guest blog post by Sally Lawton.
You’ve done it before – the first day. Whether it’s school or work, you’ll always have butterflies. A few rules will help:
1. Pat your self on the back. You got a job!
2. Be an anthropologist and observe the culture. Does everyone leave right at 5:01, or stay later? Do people take work home? Follow the pack, at least for the first few weeks.
3. The first days are usually slow. Use that time to research. Read any document to which you have access. This will help you get ahead of the game.
4. To the point above, help your coworkers in those first slow days. They’ll like you, and you’ll impress your boss, too.
5. Take initiative. Show your boss that you don’t need to have them find you task. Even if all you do is alphabetize the file drawer, show that you can work without needing to be spoon-fed.
6. Dress up a little the first couple of weeks. Casual office? Avoid a suit, and choose nice slacks. Ladies may have a harder time with this, but can’t lose with a casual skirt (no minis, though!). Traditional office? A suit always wins.
7. Obvious, but remember people’s names. I’m terrible at names. I keep a list with a note about the person. For example, John sits next to me and Jessica is the stressy one.
8. Be social. While meeting so many new people is exhausting, be sure to accept lunch and happy hour invitations. Gathering allies is important.
9. To that end, never underestimate the power of cookies. Cookies not your thing? Buy a round of drinks at happy hour.
10. Pace yourself. This may sound like slacker advice, but you want to keep some of the shine for later.
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