Starting a new job is an exciting and important milestone in life. You’re making strides and moving on to exciting new adventures.
This should be a time of pride and celebration, whether you’re moving on to the next step, more towards the dream job, out of a toxic environment, or somewhere closer to home…
That doesn’t mean the new gig isn’t coming with some level of anxiety or nerves. The key to dealing with those first-day jitters is to put them to good use. Controllable nervousness can not only guide you in making a good first impression, but it can help boost your performance.
Here are tips for keeping your nerves under control.
Identify the Source
In order for you to make any moves to control your nerves, you need to understand where they are coming from. Is it the unknown of the new job? Are you going to be faced with completely different challenges? Is it getting to know a new boss and co-workers?
Thankfully, there are a plethora of resources to address all of these issues online. You can research the types of job duties you’ll be expected to do and brush up on any entry-level skills you may need. Compile a list of conversation starters. You can even do some educational research on your boss and co-workers via LinkedIn.
Know Your Nerves Are Temporary
The jitters you feel at a new job are only temporary. After the first few days, you should settle in nicely. You’ll wonder why you were even nervous to begin with.
Try to keep the bigger picture in perspective. Consider what brought you to this company and what motivated you to accept this position. Remember your accomplishments and qualities that made them choose you. Try to keep your brain on the excited side of the fence.
Don’t Fret About Your Co-Workers
It’s one thing to want to make a good first impression and another thing to spiral over what they think of you. Try not to place unnecessary pressure on yourself from day one. Go into the office and be you. Let them get to know who you are. After all, you were hired for a reason.
Instant perfection in a role and instant bonds with everyone on the team will take time. There is a grace period; most employers and co-workers will understand this. While it’s easier said than done, focus on making a good first impression and not their perception of you. They are two different things.
Positive Self Talk
It’s, unfortunately, human nature to start thinking down a negative path, especially when feeling pressure about performance and perception. Do your best to silence those “not good enough” vibes. Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and it will try to have you convince yourself that you don’t belong here.
Instead, use more positive self-talk, reaffirmations, and motivating statements to instill in yourself that you deserve this opportunity. Repeat a mantra to yourself. Give yourself grace. You bring a diverse, needed, wanted perspective to the company, and your boss saw that.
Do Your Prep Work
Starting work on the literal first day can be a source of stress for many people. Set yourself up for success by preparing your materials the night before. Prepare your meal, organize your needed materials, and select your outfit. If your job is work from home, get your work area set up to be comfortable and productive.
If you’re about to start a new work gig and are feeling the jitters, contact us to work through some strategies to turn those around in your favor in anxiety therapy or career counseling.
