The time has come – your first day of work is coming up. You may feel anticipation at the thought of the big day, but you’re also a little nervous. Don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal. The following advice should help you on your first day. With them, you’ll be much more relaxed about the exciting situation.

It’s best to prepare early enough for your first day at work. In the week before the deadline, you can take another look at the company’s website, memorize the names of your future colleagues or call your new employer if you still have questions.

It goes without saying that you should arrive on time. It is better to be there too early than too late. If you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the agreed time, you are on the safe side. Commuters should allow about an extra half hour for their arrival.

The goal of the very first day is to get to know the company. You will be taught the technical content little by little. Now the keyword is ‘arrive first’. You will be given your place at the desk, access data and passwords, and you will settle in calmly.

Pen and paper should always be within reach. On the first day, but also during the first week at your new workplace, you will be confronted with many impressions. You can write down important things in a notebook or on a writing pad so that you don’t forget them.

You can definitely score points with a friendly, open manner. Despite all your efforts to look good to your colleagues: Always be yourself. Don’t play a role in which you don’t feel comfortable. Others will notice. On your first day at work, it’s okay to admit that you’re excited. Everyone has had their first day at work.

Try to approach new co-workers and tasks with as little bias as possible. On your first day, you should ask your colleagues about shift schedules, break times, etc. Most likely will you be asked about this during the first few days. You will probably be assigned an experienced co-worker in the initial period to whom you can turn. He or she will guide you through the department and familiarize you with the general procedures in the company.

The break at lunchtime is a good opportunity to strike up a conversation with your colleagues. A healthy interest without intrusive curiosity breaks the ice very quickly. It’s during breaks that you get to know each other as private individuals. This has an effect on the way you interact with each other. For example, you can talk about what you do in your free time or what motivates you to want to do this job.

Making mistakes is part of the job, especially in the beginning. Your colleagues will understand that, too. If you have questions, it is important to communicate openly: No one will hold a question against you. If something is unclear to you, speak directly to another employee. He or she will help you with your request and can serve as a contact person with his or her experience.

An important point that will accompany you beyond the first day is confidentiality. Inside knowledge about the company does not go beyond the company premises. Such information must be kept confidential. Apart from that, you are of course welcome to tell after hours what you have experienced and what new people you have met.

Take your cue from your colleagues as to when you can leave for the end of the day. Leaving on your own is not very well received. At the end of the first day, you should thank your new colleagues. This way you will give them a positive image of you. Treats and snacks are welcome and sweeten the coffee break for your colleagues. The Friday after your first ‘real’ work week would be the perfect time for this.