Overcoming first day nerves
Starting a new job can cause all types of worry and stresses; new role, new colleagues, new environment. You’ll find yourself asking these questions to yourself; will I fit in? How am I going to cope under the pressure? Will I actually enjoy the job?
Feeling anxious in the weeks leading up to starting a new job and for the first few weeks as being the ‘newbie’ is natural and it is not something to feel ashamed of. Even the most experienced professionals will have stages of worry!
Although the nervousness is often unavoidable, we have put together a few tips to help overcome it and feel confident starting your new role.
1. Preparation
Read through job spec the night before to remind yourself what you will actually be doing and the responsibilities you will have to ensure you know what to expect whilst learning your new role. Remind yourself why you applied for the job in the first place and why your new employer hired you. They believed in you so you should believe in yourself!
2. Relax
Take your mind off starting a new job and spend the day before doing something you enjoy with people you like, to help you relax and control the inevitable nerves. Your body is a mirror of your mind so if you appearance is tense and anxious then there is a good chance that your mind will reflect this. Keep your shoulders loose and your breathing natural. Listen to your body; if you need to take a break, don’t be afraid to ask.
3. Plan your outfit
Plan what you are going to wear for the first few days the day before to avoid last minute stress and panic. Find something that is comfortable and looks good; walking into your new job feeling confident about your outfit will help keep those nerves at bay.
4. Take notes
The more the better – you will thank yourself in the coming weeks! If you need someone to explain how to do something again so that you can write it down, don’t be afraid to ask. You will be taking in a lot of information for the first few weeks so it is very unlikely that you will be able to remember it all.
5. Don’t be hard on yourself
Remember that you are learning your new role so don’t worry if you don’t know how to do something or it takes you longer than expected. You are being trained for a reason - nobody expects you to walk into a new job and know everything.
6. Be yourself
Your new colleagues are getting to know you and they want to know the real you, just like you are getting to know them. Find out what similar interests you have and involve yourself in conversations. This will make you feel much more comfortable in your new surroundings. Everyone knows that you will be feeling anxious so they aren’t going to be judging you!
With these handy hints we are sure you will conquer those fears and overcome your nerves!