Employee Insights Volume 17: How to have a successful day 1st day on assignment
Do you get the ‘jitters’ the day before a new job? Have you ever had any mishaps before an appointment or a new job? You’re not alone. Its happened to all of us. All kinds of things can happen before starting a new job but instead of leaving it to chance, read along and see how simple and hassle free your first day can be. 1st impressions do go a long way and you have the power to make it happen.
All is well that ends well but also that starts well! Once you start, whether as a full time regular employee or a temporary contractor, you are evaluated on a handful of different items like punctuality, attendance, attitude, performance, etc. that determine if the company will make the long term investment in you as your employer. While these items don’t have to be perfect, you put yourself in an unnecessary position far too early in your employment.
Today’s Masterclass Monday goes over everything you need to know to have a successful 1st day and more at your new job. Lets get started!
The Day Before
Check your transportation:
You probably don’t think this necessary, but cars do have issues at times and you cant afford it to be right before your big day! Make sure you’ve pumped fuel into your vehicle, your tire pressure is good on all 4 tires, and the motor starts just fine. Even if your car is fine, have a contingency plan. Who can give you a ride? How much extra time would you have to plan ahead for with an Uber or Lyft?
JD review
Review the Job Description and give yourself a refresher. Start to familiarize yourself with the terminology and equipment if its any different from your recent experience. YouTube is a great resource to check out if you come across something you aren’t too familiar with.
Time your 1st Day Commute!
Use your phone Map application to get an idea of what time you need to leave your home and give yourself a 10–15-minute buffer time frame to arrive at work. There might be parking scarcity, or excessive traffic you aren’t aware of.
1st day details
Go over your “1st day details” to make sure you bring with you any necessary PPE or documents you might need. Review it for any other tips or special instructions you might need to be aware of before starting.
The Morning Of
Check in with your recruiter if you are going on an assignment. Go over any questions you might have for them.
Double check and make sure you have any relevant PPE or documentation with you or in your vehicle ready for your 1st day!
Bring a notepad only if relevant to the work environment like an office.
On the Job!
Introduce yourself to your manager and teammates
Introduce yourself courteously to your new team and start asking for their first names so you can get to know them quicker.
Familiarize yourself the environment
This includes your managers office, restrooms, emergency exits, and HR.
Ask Questions!
Ask questions as they come up particularly around company best practices and workflows to ensure you are doing the job correctly from the start.
At the End
Check in and check out
Before you head out, check in with your supervisor or manager to make sure you didn’t miss anything that needed to be covered. Check to see if the start time is different than the first day and if you should bring anything else for work.
Check in with your recruiter
If you are working with a recruiter, be sure to check in and let them know how your 1st day went! Let them know if there are any concerns or discrepancies you should address now before more time passes on your new job.
This is the level of detail FLAG supports all of our contractors with so whether you are an employer, or contractor on assignment you know you’re getting more than just a “placement”. You’re getting an experience designed to enhance your career!