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The first day of your new grad job is a big bundle of excitement and emotions. There’s the tingle of nerves, butterflies in the stomach, maybe even a rush of adrenaline. It’s the chance to reflect on everything you learned at university, while looking forward to the work still to come. But what exactly should we expect from the start of this new graduate journey?
Whether yours begins with nervous trepidation or excited anticipation, the first day of a new job can be overwhelming and we could all use some advice to help us prepare.
So, we spoke to someone who knows what it’s like to start a fresh grad job – Deakin University’s lecturer in management and organisational consulting, Mike Bengough.
From navigating dress codes to remembering new names and beating those first day jitters, we unlock some expert advice for handling the first day of your new grad job.
Starting your first job out of uni can be tricky, especially if you don’t know what to expect. In these situations, it’s always reassuring to hear what someone else’s experience was like. Take Bengough’s first day, for example.
‘I remember my first day well,’ he says. ‘I felt I had prepared well for the day and was confident it would go well. The first person I was introduced to was a senior manager who was quite condescending and rude and literally dismissed me out of hand. Whilst he proved to be abnormally unfriendly, I quickly realised that the majority of people you meet are very welcoming and want you to do well.’
The moral of the story, according to Bengough, is to ‘be prepared for anything’. Let’s take a closer look at some other good tips and advice for your first day on the job.
First things first: congratulations on your new job! If you’ve successfully completed your course, navigated the application process and nailed the interview, you deserve a big round of applause. Now: what job advice should you take before your first day?
You likely did plenty of research on your employer before the job interview. Bengough suggests that now would be a great time to revisit all that conscientious company research.
‘Make sure that you review your research, including the names of the hiring manager, the CEO and C-level executives and their responsibilities and how you believe your skills will generate value for the organisation,’ he says.
It could also be a good idea to review or learn a little about the organisation’s history, as well as its philosophy and guiding principles. But don’t worry if you can’t find out everything beforehand – you’ll soon get the chance to learn from the inside.
Outfits are important at work. They can help you feel more confident, show off your personality or fit in with your coworkers. Some jobs will tell you what to wear. Some might even have a uniform or clothing safety standards to adhere to. Bengough has some easy pointers for what to wear on the first day of your new job.
‘Unless you have been informed that casual dress is acceptable, it is sensible to dress in a professional manner,’ he says. ‘If possible, invest in a quality pair of shoes and make sure they are clean. During your first day, it will become clear what the ‘dress rules’ are.’
When in doubt, consider this first day job outfit advice: smart casual dress (like a shirt and trousers or a skirt) is always a winner.
We all get nervous, particularly when it comes to things like negotiating a salary or starting a new job.
Whether you’re genuinely anxious or just a little jittery, there are a few things you can do to calm the first day job nerves. You might like to vent about your feelings with someone you trust or try journaling to offload some of those nerves onto a page.
As Bengough says, it’s okay to feel apprehensive at first. His advice for a nervous first day at a new job is simple: be positive and confident, because you deserve to be.
‘It is totally natural to feel nervous on your first day and you need to understand that most people you meet on your first day will appreciate this and go out of their way to make you feel welcome,’ Bengough says. ‘Remember that you have been chosen for the role (likely ahead of many candidates) for a very good reason so be positive, respectful and confident in everything you do.’
Your first day of a new job is likely to be a blur of new faces, unfamiliar job titles and a million admin tasks. If you’re worried about those first day job introductions or remembering everyone’s name, that’s okay. Take Bengough’s advice for your first day of your new job – go slow and do your best. There’s plenty of time to commit it all to memory.
‘After your first week, you will find that the names of those you will be working with will become second nature,’ Bengough says. ‘When you meet new people, always smile and say hello. You will be surprised how a kind greeting endears you to the organisation and its employees!’
Communication isn’t just how you speak or write an email. It’s also about body language and other visual cues, so keep that in mind when you start your new job.
‘When introduced to people, always look them in the eye and if offered, shake hands firmly,’ says Bengough. ‘As a new graduate, employees will be watching your behaviour so it is important to listen carefully, ask questions if you need clarity and project a confident demeanour.’
To really nail those communication skills on the first day of your job, Bengough’s advice is to practice ahead of time. Rope in your family and friends to practice introductions before your first day and have a little fun with it.
Want some sage advice for your first day on the job? Don’t wing it – go in with a plan. A checklist for your first day can really help calm the nerves, even if the items on there are broad and basic. Here are some points you might like to include:
A new job is full of fresh experiences, big and small, like figuring out where to park, hunting down the best lunch spot and learning the names or your new colleagues.
Whatever your experience, the best advice for the first day of your new job is this: try to lean in and enjoy the experience.
As Bengough said – you’ve already been hired, so you clearly have the skills for your first grad job. Just enjoy the ride and remember that it only gets easier from here.
