Preparing for your First Day on the Job

High fives all round! You’ve landed the job and made it through the recruitment process. The final piece of the employment puzzle is to prepare for your first day, ensuring a smooth and confident start at your new workplace.

Putting a little prep in your step

It's always a good idea to make sure you have crossed all your t’s and dotted all the i’s before you start your new role. By now, you should have received forms and other induction paperwork. Make sure you have read and completed all the requirements and have sent or printed them ready to be handed to your new employer on your first day at work.

Need further help with this? Simply contact your Employment Consultant or visit our Resource Hub, where you will find information on employment awards or agreements, tax returns, payslips and your workplace rights and responsibilities.

If you are wearing a uniform, be sure to check in advance what to wear on your first day and if you need to collect anything before you start. If you are given the choice and are unsure what to wear, think back to your interview and the type/ style of clothes your interviewers’ wore. You can always refer to the employee handbook (if your workplace has one).

Don’t forget, Workskil Australia can provide access to funding to cover the costs of work-specific clothing. There are also a number of other resources and organisations that can also help with this.

To ensure a smooth start to your new job, confirm your meeting location and who you will be meeting. While punctuality is appreciated, arriving too early on your first day may inconvenience your manager who could still be preparing. Aiming for a 10-minute buffer is a good rule of thumb.

For further assistance with your first day preparation, check out our helpful checklist.

Subscribe to positive vibes

Creating a strong first impression with your manager, team and the wider office is a great way to start your new role. These initial interactions set the tone for your future working relationships and can impact your overall experience in the new workplace.

• Smile and make eye contact. A warm smile and confident eye contact instantly convey approachability and professionalism.
• Introduce yourself. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your manager, colleagues, and even those you encounter in common areas. Briefly mention your name, role, and express your excitement about joining the team
• Find common ground. Engage in small talk to discover shared interests or hobbies. This helps build rapport and fosters a sense of connection.

Quick Tip- Remember, making a strong first impression is an ongoing process. By consistently demonstrating these positive qualities, you'll build trust and establish yourself as a valuable asset to your new team.

Creating a strong observation foundation

The beginning of a new job is packed with new information. Get ready to soak up the knowledge and immerse yourself in your new company’s way of working.

In this initial phase of the onboarding process, you will be doing a lot of listening and observing. Mastering the art of active listening is crucial for success in your new role.

Here are some pointers to help you excel:

• Minimise distractions. Put your phone on silent and avoid fidgeting.
• Use non-verbal cues. Make eye contact, nod, smile and maintain attentive posture.
• Don’t interrupt. Let the speaker finish their sentence or wait for a natural pause before speaking.
• Paraphrase. Briefly repeat key points back to the speaker to confirm understanding and seek clarification if needed.
• Ask questions. This demonstrates your engagement and clarifies any doubts you may have. Read on for more on this.

Asking questions is the key to unlocking success in your new role. It fuels your learning, helps retain information, and fosters a deeper understanding of your workplace responsibilities. Remember, there are no silly questions in this context. Your trainer may have been with the company for a while and won’t always remember the specific challenges faced by newcomers. Don't hesitate to clarify doubts, seek elaboration, and ask anything that comes to mind. This proactive approach demonstrates your eagerness to learn and ensures you're fully equipped to excel in your new position.

Quick Tip - Remember, don’t forget to write things down. Taking notes is a powerful learning tool. Not only does it demonstrate your initiative for taking responsibility for your own learning, but it also provides a valuable reference for the future

Your kinder reminder

Starting a new job is an exciting yet challenging experience. It's natural to feel overwhelmed by the influx of information, unfamiliar processes, and the pressure to perform. Making mistakes is a normal part of the learning curve in a new role. You won't know everything right away, and that's perfectly okay.

Allow yourself time to settle in, absorb information, and ask questions. Embrace the learning process, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your small victories. Don't be afraid to reach out for help from colleagues or your manager, and actively seek feedback to identify areas for improvement.

Don’t forget, everyone was new once, and most importantly, be kind to yourself as you navigate this exciting new chapter in your career.

Workskil Australia- Your partner beyond placement

Along with helping you find the right job, Workskil Australia remains by your side throughout the transition into your new role. We offer practical workplace assistance to our customers during their first six months. This can include covering travel costs, providing clothing and equipment, helping obtain necessary licenses, and simply being a listening ear.

We understand that starting a new role can be challenging. Our team is here to provide encouragement, guidance, and a supportive network as you navigate this exciting new journey. Speak to your Employment Consultant or contact us if you need assistance, big or small. We're here to help you succeed in your new role.