Your first day in your first professional role is something you'll never forget.
Not because you'll know what you're doing, but because you'll probably feel like your brain has gone into information overload.
I've worked with graduates for many years, and I've seen the same thing happen time and time again. They walk through the doors excited, nervous, proud, and quietly wondering if they're the only one who has absolutely no idea what to expect.
Let me reassure you… you're not.
No matter how organised your new employer is (and hopefully they have a fantastic induction planned), your first week will be a sensory overload. New people, new team, new office, new systems, new processes, new acronyms, new expectations. Basically, everything new.
It's exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.
Ten things that make week one easier
So, here are a few things I'd suggest to help make your first week that little bit easier.
- Arrive a little early. Give yourself time to settle in before the day begins. Walking through the door calm and collected is a much better start than arriving feeling rushed.
- Bring a notebook and pen, or ask if they have one. Write everything down. You won't remember it all, and that's completely okay. Your notes will become invaluable over the coming weeks.
- Don't panic if you forget things. It's week one. Nobody expects you to remember every system, every process, or everyone's name. Learning takes time.
- Ask how the day is likely to unfold and what you can expect over the coming days. Understanding what's ahead helps settle your nerves and allows you to prepare.
- Find out who your go-to person is. There will be moments when you have questions, and knowing who to ask will make settling into the role much easier.
- Take your lunch break. Get outside, grab a coffee, clear your head and give yourself a chance to process everything you've learnt.
- Stay off your cell phone. Be present, observe, listen and soak everything in. First impressions matter.
- Don't spend the day watching the clock. Focus on learning, building relationships and getting involved rather than counting down the minutes until home time.
- Be kind to yourself. You're new. Nobody expects you to know everything. They hired you because they saw your potential, not because they expected you to know the job on day one.
- Before you leave each day, ask what tomorrow looks like. It gives you the opportunity to prepare and demonstrates genuine initiative.
The five-minute conversation managers notice
One thing I always encourage graduates to do is have a quick five-minute catch-up with their manager at the end of the first week.
Ask questions like:
- How do you think I've gone this week?
- Is there anything you'd like me to focus on next week?
- Is there anything I should be doing differently?
That simple conversation demonstrates maturity, initiative and a genuine willingness to learn. Managers notice those things.
There are no dumb questions
And finally, please don't be afraid to ask what you think are the "dumb" questions. There are no dumb questions when you're new.
The only dumb question is the one you don't ask.
Every person in that office had a first day once. The first week isn't about proving yourself. It's about learning, building relationships and laying the foundations for what I hope will be an exciting and successful career.
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Congratulations. Now go enjoy it.
Congratulations on getting the job! It's tough getting a job out there, and you were chosen. Now go and enjoy your first week.
