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Starting a new job can be stressful and a little scary, so don’t feel bad if you get the first-day jitters, just about everybody does!

Thankfully, there are things you can do to tackle the sources of first-day anxiety and get more control over the situation. Consider the following tips for your next first day at a new job.

Take a break

If you are able to, plan for a break between jobs. Taking a handful of days off or even a week is a solid way to relax, hit the reset button and start anew. In the same way you don’t want to bring emotional baggage from a past romantic relationship into a new one, you don’t want to bring hang-ups from an old job into your new situation, and taking a break can help you do just that.

List any changes and how to address them

When you go from one job to another, it will likely disrupt your daily routines. Maybe you dropped your kids off at daycare on your way to work and your new job is in the opposite direction. Or, maybe you are going from working first shift to evenings.

Before you start thinking about the next chapter in your professional life, think about the next chapter in your personal life. Make a list of all the things that will be affected by this new job, and then make a list of the things you have to do to compensate for any disruptions.

A big change that comes with almost every new job is a change in your commute. If you can, take a dry run of your commute before the first day. Take note of any construction or other potential delays, including bad weather.

First-day homework

Once you’ve taken care of the personal side of things, you can start focusing on the professional side by making sure you walk into your first day fully prepared.

If you aren’t sure about what to wear for your first day, call HR to find out what is appropriate. Find out if the company will be supplying smartphones, tools and anything else you need to do your job. Check the company’s social media policy to see what kind of content can result in termination or disciplinary action.

Pay attention

The best way to immerse yourself in your new job is to pay attention to everything around you. Listen when people talk and ask questions if you are confused. Observe what people normally do for lunch and breaks; follow suit. Take note of gaps between company polices and actual practices.

It’s important not to assume anything on your first day. Also, avoid making suggestions on how to change things; there’ll be plenty of time for that later.

At Action Group Staffing, we support our contract professionals from their first day on the job all the way through their time with one of our clients. If you are currently looking to partner with a staffing agency that will have your back all the way through an assignment, please contact us today.


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