5 Tips for Your First Day at a New Job

You’ve landed a new job — way to go! As your first day at work draws near, it’s common to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. In fact, did you know that over 80% of working professionals are nervous before they start a new job?¹ So, rest assured, you’re not alone. Whether you’re stepping into the office or logging into a virtual chat room, get ready to embrace this new experience, and keep in mind that your first day at a job is a great chance to learn.

Boys & Girls Clubs prepare teens to take on internships, career shadowing and first jobs. In fact, 41% of Club kids say their Club helped connect them with work experience in the past year. While first jobs may vary, they all require one thing — a good attitude going into the first day.

No matter the role, industry experts Moises Mendez and Suzanne DeRouchie know firsthand the importance of making a lasting impression. Boys & Girls Club alum, Moises, has been with Old Navy for nearly 18 years, currently serving as the Director of Store Operations, while Suzanne has been with Jimmy John’s for 14 years and serves as the Director of Brand Activation. With extensive backgrounds working with new hires and helping improve the employee onboarding experience, they shared five essential tips for a successful first day that can lead to a promising career.

Be Yourself.

Moises Mendez, Director of Store Operations, Old Navy

Starting a new job can sometimes make you want to put on a different persona. However, remember that you were chosen for who you are. “We love what you bring to the table, so believe in yourself. We already believed in you and that’s why we hired you,” said Moises. Your unique strengths and personality traits are what got you the position, so let them shine and you’ll be an asset to the company.

“A lot of effort goes into hiring a new employee, and if you’re hired, it means the company is willing to invest in you,” echoed Suzanne. “At Jimmy John’s, you are given the tools you need to succeed on your first day of work. You go through a new hire orientation and are given the opportunity to meet as many people as possible.”

Suzanne DeRouchie, Director of Brand Activation, Jimmy John’s

On average, companies spend around $3,000 to onboard a new employee² — multiply that by dozens or hundreds of employees and you’re looking at a large investment in talent, specifically your talent.

So, just as companies invest in onboarding to set you up for success, believe in the value you bring as your authentic self. Your individuality adds to the team and brings fresh perspectives. Yes, be professional and put your best foot forward, but be sure to embrace your authenticity confidently; it’s how you’ll stand out and make a meaningful impact in your new career.

Ask Questions.

When you’re stepping into a new job, it’s actually the perfect time to bring out your curiosity and ask questions. It’s completely normal to want to learn more about things. For instance, you might be curious about your tasks, how things operate in the company or even what to do in different situations. Don’t be shy to seek explanations and clarifications.

Moises emphasized the value of leading with curiosity. He explained, “On your first day of work, don’t feel pressured to know everything right away. Our aim is to assist, teach and guide you as you gain knowledge through hands-on experience.” He added, “At Old Navy, we like to weave in storytelling. This means we encourage leaders to ask new hires about their past interactions, such as customer experiences, so we can see things from your point of view and better understand your background.”

This storytelling approach also opens up the space for leaders and team members to share their own blunders with new hires. With a laugh, Moises recalled his early days in the workforce, “On my very first day at a grocery store, I was told to fill the ice cases at the back. However, I misunderstood and ended up spreading ice all over the cases instead!” Misunderstandings are bound to happen in a new job; everyone makes mistakes when starting out.

Adding to these insights, Suzanne had a valuable first day of work tip: Come prepared with a notebook full of questions! “First-day jitters are common, but you can set yourself up for success by jotting down a handful of questions you’d like to ask, especially ones related to how you can excel in your new role,” she said.

Get a Mentor.

Whether it’s for career development, academics or personal growth, mentorship is a great resource to help you in your journey and shape your future. As a Club alum, Moises deeply understands the transformative impact of caring mentors. “If it hadn’t been for my Boys & Girls Club, who knows where I would have ended up,” he reflected. Having a mentor provides a positive role model for navigating life’s challenges and opportunities.

Much like how Club mentors inspire growth through guidance, getting a mentor on your first day at a new job can provide invaluable support, and as Suzanne said, “They’re especially important to lean on when you’re starting out.” To help new hires transition to their roles, Jimmy John’s companywide mentorship program pairs them with experienced mentors who serve as guides in the early stages of their careers. “They can show you the ropes, answer any questions you have and give encouragement along the way,” said Suzanne.

If your new company doesn’t have a built-in mentoring program, ask who would be the right person to ask any onboarding questions as you get settled into your new role.

Build Soft Skills.

Soft skills are abilities that relate to how you work and interact with others, like critical thinking, teamwork and effective communication. When you start a new job, it’s not just about what you know how to do; it’s also about how you work with others. Soft skills are important for being a good team player and making the workplace friendly and productive.

Communication is key, and at your first day of work at Jimmy John’s, Suzanne pointed out that you learn the golden rule: “Make a deal, keep a deal.” It’s about keeping your commitments and following through on your promises, whether it’s meeting deadlines, showing up on time or communicating effectively with your team. This simple rule can lead to trust and reliability among your peers and supervisors.

Moises also stressed the significance of establishing strong connections early on. Taking the time to get to know your colleagues and allowing them to know you can go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere. A warm greeting and a friendly smile can make a significant difference in how you feel as a new employee.

Be Resilient.

As you start your new job, it’s important to remember that challenges, learning curves and even self-doubt are a natural part of starting something new. Being resilient means that you’re able to bounce back from difficulties and keep moving forward. Embracing a growth mindset goes hand in hand with resilience. It’s about believing that you can improve and learn, even when faced with obstacles.

Moises emphasized this aspect by sharing this tip for your first day of a new job, “In your role, you might encounter situations that are new or unfamiliar. Don’t be discouraged by challenges. Instead, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. The more you’re willing to adapt and learn from experiences, the more successful you’ll be.”

Suzanne added, “At Jimmy John’s, we know that each day is a chance to learn and improve. If you make a mistake or face a tough situation, remember that it’s not the end of the world. Take it as a chance to become better and develop your skills.”

Being resilient doesn’t mean you won’t face difficulties, but it does make you better equipped to overcome them. By embracing a growth mindset, you’re setting yourself up for continuous learning and improvement throughout your career.

Successful First Days Start Here

Your first day at a new job marks the start of an exciting new chapter. But, not every person has this opportunity. In fact, 1 in 9 people ages 16 to 24 don’t have a job or go to school.⁴ Boys & Girls Clubs are changing that. Through mentorship and real-life work experience, our Life & Workforce Readiness program helps prepare youth for success in college, career and life.

Old Navy and Jimmy John’s are partners of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Life & Workforce Readiness program, helping prepare today’s young people for the workforce and life.

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Youth Right Now 2023

Sources
¹ New Job January: How to Crush Your First 90 Days (LinkedIn Official Blog) – https://blog.linkedin.com/2020/january/new-job-january-how-to-crush-your-first-90-days
² LinkedIn: It Costs $3,000 to Onboard a New Employee, Here’s Why It Is Worth It – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/costs-3000-onboard-new-employees-here-why-worth-brian-de-haaff/
³ Youth Right Now 2023 – /about-us/youth-right-now
⁴ BGCA Workforce Readiness Programs Infographic – https://www.bgca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BGCA_Workforce_Infographic_Longform.pdf