First day at work

The first day at work can mean different things for different people; for some - a new friend, and for others - a new goal. Whatever it means, the bottom line is you are trying something new and there are ways to go about it. Anyone can be unsure of what to do on their first day at work such that the whole day feels entirely awkward for them.

While it is quite normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed because you find yourself in a new work environment, you can also have a thrilling time. 

How do you introduce yourself on your first day at work?

You will most likely be meeting new people on your first day at work; these people could be your colleagues, boss, teammates, or human resource manager. The best way to get started is to establish a good relationship with the people you find at work because, in the long run, they make the atmosphere more comfortable for you. While introducing yourself, wear a smile and be excited at the thought of making people know who you are. 

Say your name and the role you will be working but also, be sure that you are not sharing too much on your first day at work. If you are an introvert and you think you may have a hard time being in people's faces,  cut yourself a bit of slack and don't introduce yourself to everyone at once. You can take it one step at a time, especially when you feel more relaxed. 

What to say and what not to say on your first day at work

People can catch an impression of your personality from what you say; therefore, you need to be keen on creating a very good first impression. Here are a few things you can say on your first day at work:

• You can reveal your enthusiasm.

Say - I am really excited to be part of this team.

• Show that you are ready to work.

Say- How soon do I have to complete this task?

• Give a Compliment.

Say- Your shirt looks good!

• Provide a solution.

Say- I can figure something out.

While it is important that you express yourself freely on your first day at work, you must also watch what you say. Here are a number of things you can not say:

• Avoid controversial topics like-

HRs are very petty.

I don't enjoy being around Christians.

I don't think a woman should eat out everyday.

• Provide feedback without being excessively critical.

• Don't share too much personal information on your first day. Something like-

I'm divorced but I have a kid.

I still live with my parents.

I don't intend to work for long.

Your first day at work is the very first chance you have to prove that you are an excellent person and it starts with your communication.  

What to wear on your first day at work

The trick is to wear something nice and comfortable on your first day at work as this will influence your confidence and overall impression. Strike a balance between feeling relaxed and looking professional; this means that while you want to be comfortable with what you wear, be sure that it suits the office environment. You may want to avoid wearing a flashy outfit or adding an extreme touch to your outfit, keep it simple and most importantly, neat. 

Furthermore, wear perfumes and deodorants but make sure they are mild. When you smell good, you feel happy and hopeful for the day set before you. 

How early should you get to work on your first day?

Very early! At least 15 - 30 mins before your official opening hour because you need to get yourself relaxed ahead of time. If you had your interview online and have never been to your office location, this is another reason you should move out of your house early enough to beat time. This helps you avoid delays from public transport (especially if you are a Lagosian) and other unforeseen circumstances. Also, it reduces stress and gets you active and ready to have an interesting first day at work.

How to answer the "How was your first day at work" question

Your boss, human resource manager, or your teammates can ask how your first day at work went, it is a normal question, so you don't have to be taken by surprise. Expect that it can come from anyone within or even outside your place of work; here are a few ways you can answer depending on the experience you had:

• I had a great day! My colleagues were receptive and helpful.

• I love the office environment! It helped me get productive today. 

• I lost my way twice around the office but I am getting the hang of it.

• I had a lot of learning to do but I'm glad that I am in for a great time in my new role. 

Wishes/Affirmations for the first day at work

You have applied to a few organizations before getting the new job or maybe not. Whichever way it is, you want to keep your spirit up and be positive about the new view, so while you may have received heartfelt wishes from your loved ones, you can also pull out some affirmations for yourself. Here are some you can use:

• I am smarter and better.

• I am diligent and resourceful.

• I have the best perspective in any situation.

• I commit to a new lifestyle of contributing to progress.

• My skills are significant.

• I bring value to the table, identify problems and provide solutions to them twice as fast.

• I seek and work towards growth and improvement.

• I connect to my colleagues with my uniqueness.

• I communicate clearly and think sharper. 

• I deliver my work faster.

Most times, affirmations serve as fuel to keep us going even when it gets tough; so, before it gets tough, start right away on your first day at work. Say positive things only, and remind yourself of how much of an excellent person you are and will continue to be.