Impress on your first day in the office

When entering the office environment for the first time, or for the first time in a long time, it is important to be prepared for any situation that can be thrown your way.

• Make sure that if starting a new job, you have an idea of the tasks and responsibilities you may be entrusted with. You will also need to prepare yourself for your first day. This will include a notepad, pens, cash, water and a USB – because almost everything is digital. Preparation also includes checking the weather to gauge how early you will need to leave to make it to the office at least 10 minutes early.
• It has been a long holiday and most of us are feeling the pinch. Pack a light, odourless lunch that won’t make your colleagues run for the hills. Garlic bread is not a good office meal – especially if you’ll be stuck in meetings all day. Lunch will also give you the boost you need to take on the day without feeling sluggish.
• No employer wants staff who dress sloppily, especially when they’re required to meet clients. Make sure to dress for your job description.
• Greet your colleagues as you enter the office as you will be working with them and friendly faces will make work much easier to cope with.
• Take a jar of candies or cookies to work and keep them on your desk. This will absolutely attract the attention of others and will, therefore, serve as a good conversation starter.
• Ensure that you take in all that your colleagues are saying in order to perform each task to the best of your abilities and avoid any awkward blunders.
• Do not gossip with your colleagues. It is unprofessional, usually a biased opinion of someone and can open you up to getting in some hot water with other staff.