Make sure to either bring or ask for a notebook to begin taking notes early in the day. Bringing one from home shows initiative. Don’t be the new employee who doesn’t write anything down.
If you don’t know where to go, kindly let another employee know this is your first day and ask them for directions. They had a first day too so they will understand.
Prepare to avoid joking or discussing race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion. These are sensitive issues for most people. Even if you are comfortable discussing these topics, many other people may feel uncomfortable if you discuss them openly. Resist the temptation to ask or pry into people’s personal lives. If your curiosity is tickled, ask yourself if the answer is work-related? If not, it’s best to not ask. Drive carefully in the parking lot and don’t be rude to others as you are rushing to clock in or out on time. Even if you are not on the clock, the people you are speeding past and bumping into are still your co-workers.
As you introduce yourself to others, make an effort to remember their names and positions. Write names and positions in your notebook to memorize. If necessary, note memorable physical features or personal characteristics to help you match faces with names. Quickly learning names shows others you value them. [5] X Research source
If someone is going through a procedure too fast for you to write, ask them to slow down. This may seem rude, but they will appreciate it it. If you write everything down properly, they won’t have to repeat themselves later. When you’ve finished a set of instructions, repeat the process back to your instructor. This gives them a chance to ensure you have documented the process properly. They may also emphasize certain points you will want to highlight.
ISO-9001 and other standards have strict rules you may not anticipate. Using a pencil, white-out, or a colored ink pen could land you in hot water with your boss. Even benign changes to procedures can negatively impact your performance. If you are given a computer, do not attempt to view webpages or download files without permission. This includes checking your personal email or downloading backgrounds. This may seem benign but may cause you to get in trouble with the computer services department.
If you are late or make a business dress faux pas, take responsibility for your mistake. Traffic may have been bad, but you could have accounted for it. Making excuses for your temporary lack of etiquette show immaturity.
For example, at most jobs, discussing pay is considered “unethical” and may be grounds for termination. Discussing politics and religion may also get you in trouble even if you do so off-the-clock.
If you are feeling overwhelmed learning people’s names and positions, trying drawing a diagram of each department with the department head at the top and everyone under them below. As you learn people’s positions, you can write them down and orient them vertically according to their role.
No matter how many notes you write you will still mess up. When corrected, say “thank you” and look over your notes for errors. Do not blame another co-worker even if you believe their instructions were incomplete. Review your updated instructions with the person correcting you.
When you’ve completed your assigned tasks, ask your manager or superior what you can be doing to help the team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re asked to participate in a team or group function. Co-workers will be more likely to help you out and answer your questions if you establish yourself as a team player. Engage your new co-workers in conversation when they welcome you to the team, but stay neutral in your opinions about them. You’re just as likely to get welcomed into the office fantasy football pool as you are to get targeted by the office gossip, so remain objective until you know whose welcome is genuine. Do not be quick to complain about your work even if asked what you do not like about the job so far. Focus on how you can improve your own job performance. [11] X Research source
