Going through the application process to find employment can be stressful; then finally it happens. You get a job offer. No more handing out resumes, completing online applications, or answering tough interview questions. Hurray! Following the excitement and anticipation, comes the reality check. You are starting a brand new job – with people you don’t know, in a business you are unfamiliar with, completing tasks that may be new to you.

Nobody likes to be the ‘newbie’.  With concerns about learning the job quickly, adapting to company culture, fitting in, and being successful, this new opportunity can quickly become a major source of stress. Feeling anxious about your first day on the job is completely normal. The newest members of our EPC family shared tips to help you make a smooth transition into the workplace:

• Deal with the particulars of your commute. Research bus schedules, Google Maps driving directions, and parking lot locations. Know how you are going to get to work, how long it is going to take, and what it is going to cost.
• Ensure that you have lunch items available to take with you for the first few days.
• Choose your work clothing in advance to guarantee that your favorite items are clean, ironed, and well-coordinated.
• Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
• Introduce yourself to all the staff. Meet with each person individually to find out what they do and how ‘the pieces of the puzzle’ fit together.
• Ask for training from staff that performs the same or a similar role in the organization.
• Dive in and ask for feedback until you feel you have mastered the skills.
• Take notes. There can be a lot of information to absorb on a new job and a notebook or phone app can be very helpful with the organization of information.
• Be a student. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Learn about what is appropriate including etiquette, policies, protocol, housekeeping, and social climate.
• Find out what a typical day looks like. While duties will vary from day to day, having a pulse on regular expectations and deadlines will help you to allocate your time effectively.
• Conduct internet research to find out more about your organization, competitors, resources, and other relevant information.
• Be a ‘blank slate’. With so much expertise, you will be exposed to internal best practices and effective time saving techniques.
• Be vulnerable. It is okay to say that you don’t know how to do something. People are usually very happy to help.
• Take a deep breath…exhale…and enjoy. Embrace your new opportunity with optimism and confidence. All your job search efforts have paid off and you are starting a new chapter in your career.

For more assistance with your job search, book an appointment with a Career Counsellor at EPC or check our Workshops & Events section for upcoming dates.