Your skills and abilities are just as important as your attitude.Learning to navigate a new job requires a mixture of people skills and dedication.If you learn to make a good impression on your first day, you can turn that into a reputation.
Step 1: Get there early.
It's important to show up on time on your first day.If you have to change, make sure you're there early enough to get fully prepared.You should be ready to go 10 minutes before your shift starts.Give yourself an extra 30-40 minutes as a buffer for things like traffic, getting lost, and finding parking, by budgeting your time well in advance.If you have to take public transportation, or your new workplace is not familiar with, you should take the trip a few days in advance to make sure you know how long it will take.Don't stay past the time you're supposed to.You aren't able to budget your time effectively if you leave late.Arrive early and prepare for the day, then leave when you're done.
Step 2: Listen to what your boss and colleagues have to say.
Most employers know that there will be a learning curve with new hires, and that you won't be expected to excel right away.Don't worry about making mistakes and messing up your first day, but focus on learning as much as you can and listen closely to make sure you do not miss anything.Be aware of your learning style.Ask the person training you to walk you through a task if you are a hands-on learner.If you want to take down important points during your training, take a notepad or notebook with you.To answer questions, be sure to write down the answers.It is your goal to only make one mistake.If your boss tells you how to do something, remember and listen.
Step 3: Don't be afraid to ask questions.
A lot of new employees will be too sheepish to ask questions.It's enough to know when you need help.It's okay to ask for help on your first day.It's better to have it explained once and be sure you'll do it right than to guess and get exposed later.
Step 4: If you can anticipate what will happen next, you will have a better chance of success.
Every workplace has a different process.It takes some time to figure out what needs to happen and what order.If you want to stand out on your first day as a good worker, try to analyze the situation and figure out what needs to happen next.A lot of standing around and watching is what your first day at a job can involve.When you see an opening, jump in.You don't need to be told that you could help out if you see another employee carrying a stack of bags.You will need to ask at some jobs.If you're starting at a kitchen and finish up with some dishes, it might seem obvious that they'll go to the dishwasher, but there may be some other process.Ask.
Step 5: Don't be asked to clean up.
Cleanliness and safety are the same thing at every workplace.Straightening up isn't usually coached.Look for ways that you can clean up and make the workplace easier.If you work in an office, make a fresh pot of coffee.Throw away the cups and spoons.The trash should be put in the bin.If they need to be straightened, please help.If you work in a kitchen or restaurant, keep an eye out for obstacles that someone may trip over, or help clean up dishes in the back.If you need to find a way to stay busy, take a turn at the sink.
Step 6: Just be yourself.
What you do on the first day will not make it a success.It's your behavior and attitude.There is something about your skills and personality that will benefit your workplace.Don't think you need to be someone else if you have faith in your ability to succeed.You don't have to act like your coworkers do.It takes time for people to adjust to a new person in the workplace, so give your co-workers time to get to know you.
Step 7: Work goals can be short-term.
Being a good employee requires going beyond the call of duty.If you want to be the best employee you can be, try to set personal goals that will help you stand out.Make your goal to get where you want to be after a few days of work by identifying the things you need to work on the most.If you're working in a kitchen, make it your goal to memorize all the sandwich recipes by the end of the month so you don't have to look at your cheat sheet.Make your goal to get your plate time down to the other employees.In your first couple of weeks, focus more on the quality of your work and less on your efficiency.You don't want to worry about making it quickly.As you go on, worry about getting faster and producing more.
Step 8: You should be realistic about what you can do.
Good employees are willing to take on more responsibilities when asked.If you want to build a reputation as a reliable employee, you should be willing to do things that need to be done.It's important to know your limits.If you already have 10 things to do before you leave today, don't volunteer to finish one more thing that will take hours.It's important to budget your time effectively.When you need to be as well, be cautious.It's helpful to think up an alternative plan if a colleague asks you to do something you're not sure about.If necessary, defer to your boss.
Step 9: Don't do anyone else's work, just do yours.
A person who is committed to doing their job well and not trying to manage other people's work is a good employee.Stay focused on what you need to do to the best of your abilities when you're at work.Unless they specifically ask for your help, don't get into other people's work.Getting everything done will make you stand out.It's a good idea to avoid gossip at work.It's easy to group into small work groups that can distract you from your responsibilities.Don't pay attention to how well other people do their work.
Step 10: Don't be inactive.
Inform your boss that someone needs to pick up debris if you see it on the floor.Pick it up yourself.Doing things for the sake of creating a better work environment is what you should do.
Step 11: Something extra should be brought to the table.
Look for ways you can help the company you work for reach its goals if you do your work well and complete it.Good employees come to the table with creative ideas for improvements and efficiency tactics to help make your workplace a better place.Try to come up with a few creative ideas each couple of months, then keep them on hand in case they come in handy.You can chat about your idea in private with your boss instead of bringing it up at a group meeting.
Step 12: Establish long-term goals.
Where do you want to be in five years?Ten?How can this job help you get there?You should set clear and achievable goals for yourself at your job.Knowing how your work relates to your ultimate goals in life will give you self-assurance and provide motivation for you to advance your company and yourself.To get you through the weeks, try to keep a list of what you're working toward.What you're doing right now might seem unimportant, but how is this helping you get what you want?How is this going to move you up the ladder?The ultimate goals of the company you work for are important, and should be kept at the forefront of your mind.
Step 13: Speak well of your co-workers.
Employees who support other workers are appreciated by employers.You become a trusted voice when you work hard and help further your company's goals.Help others who are worthy of praise and advancement by using your voice.Don't ridicule a fellow employee if other employees do the same.It can be easy to form a work culture that is toxic.Don't be a part of it.If you gossip, lie, or cheat in order to get a position at the company, you will lose it in the long term as you build up bad relationships with other employees.Determine where you fit best in the company by allowing your employer to evaluate your work and skills.
Step 14: You should get invested in what you're doing.
Employees who take pride in their work are valued by employers.It's easy if you're passionate about something.It can be difficult to find a passion for your job if you work for the wage.To let your passion shine through, find some way to get more invested in what you're doing.If you want to succeed in this job, you have to stay focused on what it affords you.If you're working to feed your family, or pay your way through college, remember that what you do at work has a direct impact on those parts of your life.
Step 15: Treat everyone with respect.
While some people can be difficult to interact with in the workplace, you should remember that you are negatively affecting your career opportunities if you treat them poorly.Your co-workers were carefully selected, so showing disrespect for them shows a disregard for your employer.