Hi ladies, first I want to thank all ladies here who supported me and answered my queries for past one year. I derived the strength to look for a job at this stage in life from this forum. I have now got a new job and would soon be starting. I am very nervous because I have never worked in a company and have a long gap after my education and first job. My co-workers(working in same position as me) will be people at least 3-4 years younger than me and with some work experience. I am worried how well I will adjust. Please guide me what are some relevant things I should keep in mind when I am starting in my new job. What are some very important questions that I should ask the HR and manager when I join the company. I will get training but I am nervous because I do not know much about the domain I will be working in. I am apprehensive that how will I manage work schedule because I am not used to a 9-6 job. Please do give your suggestions and tips.
These are the tips which will help you 1) First impression counts: looking good is essential you must know this when starting a new job, your carriage and walk can help define your personality. 2) Smile - You’re opening a new, exciting chapter to your life, full of opportunities and wonders. You’re not going to visit the dentist. Express your happiness at being in the presence of your coworkers and let them know it’s a joy to be able to work with them. 3) Open a bank account if you don’t have one, you’ll need a bank account to keep your money 4) Practice time management by making a list of what you would do daily. Having a to-do-list could be a great way of starting well on a new job, as it saves you a great amount of time. Then approach your work logically especially if you are in the habit of mixing things up, just don’t screw up as this is your first day at work remember! 5) Handle the tough jobs first, once you get them of the way, it gives you a sense of achievement and keeps you in the right frame of mind to handle the next task 6) Be amiable and mix up freely with people; this will help establish good working relationships from the start of work with your boss, colleagues and visitors; treat every one you meet with decorum and respect. 7) Always take time off work, don’t work your ass out, this is not good for your health and general well being: this is one important fact you must know before starting a new job or any job for that matter. It is very vital to relieve you from unnecessary stress and fatigue; it is also useful to balance your life in and out of work. So don’t think you are impressing any body by working all hours, rather avail our self of all the breaks you are entitled to. If you feel you need rest, if you can afford it; book a long weekend in your favorite hotel suite or even a day: staying away from any thing that could bring you memories of work at that moment is really needed and a weekend or day off spent in a hotel suite won’t be a bad idea. 8) If you work with a computer remember to maintain a good posture like sitting correctly while working. Avoid working on screen for more than 20 minutes without a break; adjust the screen resolution of your computer monitor to avoid excess light entering your eyes. Remember this same eye will come in handy for other personal engagements, and if you develop a bad eye sight as a result of working consistently on screen, it is not to the credit of the company, and instead of promoting they’ll fire you and pay some sort of compensation, so know this before you start that new job, this is very important. 9) Remember to seek help from those more experienced on the job than you e.g. your boss or the person who hired you or maybe your line manager, chat with colleagues who know the workings of the place. Ask your boss or your superior if he can spare five minutes at a convenient time, work out what you want to say in advance so that you can explain the problem clearly. If possible offer a solution: this shows you have initiative and you are reliable and also dependable 10. Do Your Job, And Do It Well - You were hired to get things done. All that emotional bonding is completely meaningless if you can’t contribute to the welfare of the organization. That’s what you are here for, so show them why they hired you! 11) As a starter, listen more than you talk, and when you talk, remember to walk the talk; this is very important when starting a new job, it makes people see you as a pragmatic person instead of a theoretical person. Don’t criticize any of your colleagues until you fully understand all the relationships Lastly, I would have included this as the eleventh tip, because I expect you to know this, however if you don’t; then I must tell you, remember friends and family will be dying to know how you are coping at your new work place: it is best to avoid making or receiving any personal phone calls or email on your first day at work. Remember it is wrong to start asking questions about holidays and going home time either. Above all this, remember you are who you are, be your self, no pretence, remain hard working and in no time you’ll start climbing your career ladder by just knowing all this tips before you start that new job. ALL the best, and see you at the top!
Thank you Sudha, nice tips! Do most companies have a dress code? Should I ask the HR whether they have a dress code? Mine is entry level post, will I need to worry about dress code ?!
hey, wear as per your comfort and stature. Just remember to be understated and do not wear gorgeous colors or eye catchy jewelery. If you just be yourself, then it is OK. All the best dear. BTW, we will be waiting to hear back ur exp. of first day at work
Thank you daksha I will. By the way friends, what to expect on the joining day? I had sent my acceptance electronically, but did not get any acknowledgement for it, is it common practice? I do not yet know who will be my manager. Should I call and ask or will they tell me everything on the joining day? I am a little worried, I have to join after 1.5 weeks and haven't heard anything from the HR after I gave them acceptance to the job offer. Can the management change their mind :hide: after offering job ! I'm wondering and worried since I have stopped job search after I got this one!
Hey Soumya, I'd just like to add some more points. It's always better to dress up formally, especially on your first day at work. Though different companies have different dress codes, generally sarees and salwar suits are considered formal Indian wear. Casuals are usually worn on Fridays and if applicable, on Saturdays. A general thumb rule for women is to not wear revealing or ill-fitting (too tight/too loose) clothes. [This is not meant to sound sexist but to state that a 'smart' look is preferred in the corporate world.] As another PP has said, try and avoid heavy, noisy jewellery and flashy colours. Usually, your first day would comprise of joining formalities with the HR, wherein you'll be required to fill in forms, apply for PF, open a bank account etc. So, carry a good pen, some paper clips, whitener, stapler, glue, photographs etc. with you to be on the safer side. Your HR should typically communicate to you the details of the joining formalities - when to report, where to report, whom to report to, what documents are needed and so on. Once your joining formalities are done, you might be asked to meet up with someone who would introduce you to your team and take it from there. You might also have your induction session the very first day itself. An induction programme is usually aimed to clarify the FAQs new joinees may have and includes everything from policies, finances to point-of-contacts and where to seek help in case of any issues. More than all these, your attitude is what will make the day for you. Go on with a positive attitude, smile and make new friends. All the best!!! P.S.: You can drop an email to the HR asking for the acknowledgment of the receipt of acceptance of offer, without sounding anxious.
Thank you kottravai and Orion, I am much relaxed now, was panicking, maybe unnecessarily. It is very good to know beforehand what to expect, I will be prepared for it well. :thankyou2:
Friends one more thing, I have lots of questions in my mind like what exactly will I be doing(this is an entry-level position), what would be my day-to day work whom will I ask doubts to etc. etc. and many more. Is it a good idea to ask these questions if it is not covered in the introductory session? Or should I wait to get the whole picture later?
hi soumyapr, First of all congratulations for the new job. i had been following your previous thread .If you don't mind can i ask you whether you got the job of technical writer as you said you were interested in pursuing that. If yes did you do any particular course. As i am still interested in taking up a job in this field i am asking you this question. Hope you don't mind in sharing this info with me. Any ways all the best for your career. Surely you will do well by gods grace. regards rashmii
