How not to be nervous for your first day of work
First impressions matter, especially in the workplace. But if you’re feeling nervous about starting a new job, there are plenty of ways to make sure your first day nerves don’t get the best of you.
With our expert tips, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward with confidence.
What are new job nerves?
If you feel a sense of nervousness or trepidation before starting a new job, you may be experiencing new job nerves. You might be worrying about fitting in with your new colleagues or whether your performance will be of a high enough standard.
Remember that these feelings are natural and common, so try not to worry too much.
What causes people to have nerves before a new job?
You may feel nervous about starting a new role for many reasons. The experience can be different for everyone. For example, you may feel anxious about meeting new people or uncertain about what to expect.
Through understanding your job anxiety, you can then work on how to overcome it.
Tips for keeping your first day at work nerves in check
To help you keep your nerves in check, read our top tips to help you stop feeling nervous. We’ll help you start your new role on a positive note.
Understand it is natural to feel nervous on your first day
Remember that what you’re feeling is temporary. Feeling nervous is natural, and it will likely only last for a day or two. Focus on what made you want the job in the first place:
- Is this the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your career?
- Will you have the chance to learn new skills?
- Are you going to be working alongside like-minded people?
By focusing on the positives, you might help calm your fear of the unknown and remember why you’re there.
Keep your impostor syndrome in check
If a voice in your head tells you “you’re not good enough”, remember that’s simply not true. Remind yourself that you deserve this opportunity and that the company chose you for a reason.
Your new employer chose you over many other applicants because of your skills and experience. When you’re nervous it can be easy to lose sight of this.
Try to stop worrying that you’re not as good as your interview. Or that you might not be as capable as your new colleagues. Remember the excitement of getting your job offer and use that positive feeling to fuel your confidence.
Reach out to your new manager
Building a connection and relationship with your new boss will help you feel more prepared and involved. With that in mind, there’s no harm in sending them an email the week before you start, reiterating how much you’re looking forward to starting your new role. You could even ask whether there’s anything you can do to make your first day easier (that doesn’t mean starting your job or onboarding early, though!).
Before starting a new job, prepare for your first day
Preparing for your first day in advance can help reduce any uncertainty. Research your new company and take time to learn about your new role. Try to get a feel for the type of tasks you might be doing on your first day.
You can also take extra steps like choosing what you’re going to wear. By testing the best route for your commute you can also make sure you arrive on time.
Distract yourself
Spend the day beforehand doing something fun that makes you feel confident and content. The idea is to distract your mind from starting your new job tomorrow. Alternatively, exercise can help to release endorphins, which relieve stress and boost happiness. All in all, do the things that, and you’ll likely feel much calmer and readier to take on whatever challenges your first day in your new job may bring you.
Take notes when you can
It’s likely your employer will give you a lot of important information on your first day. Rather than worry about remembering everything, make sure you take notes that you can refer back to.
Keeping a notepad to hand will help you stay in the moment, and prevent you from being overwhelmed. You can use your notepad to write down login details, passcodes or instructions.
Seek support for your mental health
It’s natural to experience feelings of new job anxiety. But if you are feeling anxious to the point that it affects your health or is beginning to escalate, seek advice from your doctor. You can also consult a mental health professional if needed.
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