You’ve landed your first job – Congratulations! Of course, you’ve had other jobs before, but this is very different from your previous part-time gigs undertaken while you were at school or university. Getting your first job is an exhilarating feeling. You’ve aced the interview, got the job and now you’re ready to start your new role and make a great impression. The transition from uni to office life can sometimes be a tricky one though. You’ve got a boss to impress, colleagues to bond with and a whole set of new skills to learn.
7 pieces of advice on starting your first office job
- Dress to impress
It may seem obvious, but make sure you make an effort on your first day. If you’ve not been given a dress code, assume it’s smart attire and if you’re wrong, you’ll just look like you mean business.
- Read Your Contract
Your new company will issue you a contract of employment, and you’ll usually be asked to read and sign this before you start your new role. It’s tempting to just whack your signature down without a thorough inspection, especially if you’re given a stack of long and wordy documents. But don’t do that…
It’s in your own best interests to give all the info you’re given a thorough read to find out detailed info about your new company’s policies, employment benefits, facilities management and other important rules and regulations. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, then make sure you ask before signing on the dotted line.
- If you’re into fitness, make sure you’re still working out.
It can be easy to stop exercising when you get a new job and your days tire you out. A week or two off is to be expected, however, if you bail on hitting the gym for too long, you may find your days of sitting down and helping yourself to the office snacks lead to some serious weight gain.
- Keep some spare clothes in your desk drawer.
Whether you’re a guy or a girl, you’re likely to be glad you did this one. No-one wants to ladder their tights or get wet socks from a puddle, then have to deal with the consequences for the rest of the day. It always worth having a jacket and an umbrella at work too, for those always-unexpected changes in British weather. It’s always wise to be prepared.
- Bring lunch to work.
If you’re watching the pennies or your waistline, this is a good idea. You’ll save money, time, and it’ll save you from buying lunch out or snacking loads when you get hungry throughout the day.
- Make an effort with your colleagues.
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them, and it’s likely you’ll need their help at the various point. Make sure you’re as friendly as possible to start with, as it’s hard to undo a bad first impression.
- Don’t Be Late
Unless you’ve been cornered by a moose or locked in a cupboard, you’re going to have to be on time for work. Public transport is notoriously unreliable so make sure you build some flexibility into your schedule. That way if your bus breaks down or the train driver goes MIA, you’ll still be in with a good chance of getting to the office in time.
