How to Get Started at Your First Job- An Instruction Manual

How to Get Started at Your First Job- An Instruction Manual Congratulations! You’ve got your first job, and now your first day is approaching and you can’t wait to get started. Or can you? It’s not unusual to feel anxious ahead of starting any new gig, let alone your first one â€" indeed, it’s good if you’re nervous because it shows that you care.But that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you should take to make it easier on yourself.If you’re new to the world of work, there’ll be a few things you won’t expect and a few things you’re already dreading. Meeting all those new people might well fit into the second category!evalWhen you’re put on the spot to introduce yourself, it can be difficult to remain lucid and to express what you should. And you’re likely to be put on the spot several times during that first week as you gradually meet the team and attend your first meetings.What you need is a pitch. Don’t worry, you’re not selling yourself â€" just getting across the key points of who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’re looking forward to in your new role.Keep it brief â€" 30 seconds is a good guide â€" and don’t worry about memorizing a script, because that’ll just make you feel like a phony!Instead, get those three points across each time you meet someone, have some questions on hand to ask in response, and don’t be tempted to roll your eyes or sigh when you have to repeat yourself for the umpteenth time. This is called getting professional.Your first group meetings are a great chance to make an impression. Yes, people will be curious about you, so even if they mean well you may feel like you’re under scrutiny.This is not the time to prove yourself a genius, but you should demonstrate that you’re serious, professional, and dedicated, by paying full attention and taking part to the degree necessary.Switch off your phone, make eye contact with your colleagues, and use a pen and paper to take notes â€" this is a great way to make sure your mind doesn’t wander off, and helps you go over all that new information again at a later moment. Oh yeah, and did I mention: switch off your phone!evalAnd don’t be afraid to speak up in that first meeting. Often, asking a question is the best way to help you find your voice. Remember: you got your qualifications, you applied, and you passed the interview stage: you deserve to be here.Feeling a bit better about showing up? You can brush up on these techniques and more by running throughthis new ‘instruction manual’ to your first job. And guess what â€" these tips work for all your subsequent promotions and transfers, too.An Instruction Manual for Your First Job, brought to you by Budget Direct Life Insurance