How to Avoid Being Nervous on Your First Day - The Muse

How to Avoid Being Nervous on Your First Day - The MuseHow to Avoid Being Nervous on Your First DayIf youve just secured your first job out of college and youre feeling a little anxious, you arent alone. In fact, the feeling isnt much different than the first day of school jitters.But some of that same back-to-school advice still has value for recent grads. Whether youre going off to a new job in the big city or a small town), here are a few tips to keep in mind when youre planning for that first day of work1. Go to Bed EarlySpend the night before your new job getting ready. Lay out your clothes, pack your bag, get a good nights rest- and resist that urge to celebrate your new job with friends and cocktails on the night before. Show up to work alert, energized, and ready to make a great first impression.2. Arrive to Work on TimeSometime before that first day, do a trial run of the morning traffic flow to iron out any congestion hiccups. Map out your commute and take into consideratio n any subways transfers or possible traffic issues. Arrive calm, cool, collected, and confident- not running five minutes late, frazzled, and already stressed out.3. Dress Appropriately for the JobThe first day of work isnt the time to ask about the corporate dress policy- keep it conservative until youve had a chance to look around. Common sense says too tight, too short, or too low is a definite dont. 4. Have a Lunch Plan and Keep a Nutritious Snack in Your PurseKeep something quick and easy to eat on pfote in case of emergency. A bag of nuts, dried fruit, or a granola bar will keep indefinitely in a desk drawer or your purse. One exec I know was so excited on her first day of work that she forgot to eat lunch entirely. She began feeling faint and jittery by mid-afternoon, and it was so bad she had to go home. Dont let that be you.5. Avoid Tuna FishLunch at your desk may be tempting, but keep your lunch choice odor free. Its best to get out of the office, or at least eat in the co mpany break room to give yourself a change of scenery- and a chance to meet some of your new colleagues.6. Make Friends With Your ColleaguesDont wait for your new peers to walk up to you first (although it would be good manners for them to do so). Show your confidence by extending your hand for a shake and introduce yourself using both your first and last name. Using only your first name makes you appear juvenile or of lesser authority.7. Dont Jack Your Desk Up With TchotchkesKeep your blow-up palm tree at home. The photo of you and your lebensgefhrte making out on the beach? That also stays on your bedroom shelf. Keep your dcor classy, and dont overdo it on Day one.8. Play Nice With OthersA colleague may try to lure you into their camp with helpful warnings about co-workers or unpopular company policies. Dont be swayed by someone with an axe to grind. Office gossip is everywhere, but make a point to be like Switzerlandand stay neutral.9. Dont Open the Ex FileWhatever you feel about your previous job or boss, youre making a fresh start- so leave your past employment woes at the door. And remember to keep an open mind. The way you did something at your last job may not be how they do things here, so tread lightly at first and learn all that you can before jumping in with suggestions on how things should be executed differently.10. Keep Your Game Face OnThe first day can overwhelming. Or maybe youll be so excited about your first real job that youll have to fight the urge to do back flips down the hall. Either way, stay cool. Exude warmth, approachability, and enthusiasm for your job, but remember youre a professional now- maintain your dignity and focus.The first day can set the tone for your new work experience. You dont need to be anxious about it and you dont need to know everything when you walk in the door- but take the time to prepare in advance, do your research, arrive early, ask questions, smile, and enjoy the first day of your corporate life.Congratul ations on your new job