“It’s My First Day!” Three Simple Ways to Deal With New Job Jitters

Starting a new job can be ridiculously exciting but at the same time, it can also be ridiculously terrifying.

If you’re lucky enough to have a new job lined up in January, but are feeling a bit apprehensive about your first day there, here are three things you can do to help you conquer your nerves and take your first day in a new office all in your stride.

Set your alarm thirty minutes earlier than usual: On your first day, it’s always important to arrive slightly early and, more importantly, to give yourself enough time so you can deal with anything that may go wrong (such as spilling cereal on your blouse or getting stuck in traffic).

Rushing into your first day at a new job will leave you feeling flustered and worried, and chances are you’ll also feel like you’re playing catch up for the rest of the day.

Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier than you normally would and make it your goal to be in your office by 8:45am on the dot if your job starts at 9am. By doing this, you’ll arrive at your job calm, collected and mentally prepared for what the day has to offer you.

Starting your first day on a positive note will help you set yourself up properly for your new position

Set up your workspace: You’ll feel more settled in your new office when you have your workplace set up exactly how you like it. Now we know you can’t literally take over your desk and put loads of books/ornaments/family photos on it, but you can do little things, like bring in a pen holder or put a mug on your desk.

Scope out the desks of your colleagues – how personalised are they? Bring in office supplies that make you feel good, like the engraved pen your boyfriend gave you for your anniversary.

Remain as positive as possible: Remember, it’s your first day so the worst thing you can do is criticise yourself if you don’t get the hang of the content management system (or whatever) the first time around. You’re new and nobody expects you to be perfect from the get go.

Instead of thinking “this is impossible!” if you can’t complete a task, simply take a deep breath and think “I’m doing great given that it’s my first day.” Even if you’re struggling, remain upbeat, enthusiastic and show whoever is training you in that you’re determined to learn what they’re teaching you.

If you get stuck in a downward spiral of self-criticism you’ll end your first day on a bad note, which could mean that you start associating your new job with negativity (which is something you definitely don’t want to happen!). Take it in your stride, be positive and remember – you’ll get better and better the more time you do certain tasks in the office or use certain bits of technology.