Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Day of Work

Mistakes To Avoid On Your First Day Of Work

Hey Travelers! Yesterday, I put my big girl pants on and went to work. My first day of work was a whirlwind of excitement and nervousness, complemented perfectly by orientations with my supervisor, the Human Resources department, and others who hold various positions around the office. After I punched out my timesheet and went home, I reflected on this new chapter in my life. Part of my reflection about my first day was about my mistakes. I would like to share what I learned with you in the hopes that you will not make the same mistakes on your first day of work. Here are four mistakes to avoid on your first day of work.

Mistake To Avoid On Your First Day Of Work: Not Bringing ID

On the first day or within the first days at your new job, you may have to meet with the Human Resources department. The Human Resources department is your company’s organizational arm that is responsible for staffing requirements, benefits, orientations, training, and interviews. When meeting with Human Resources it is likely that they will ask you to provide identification/documents to show that you are a citizen or authorized to work. I had to provide my passport or a driver’s license +birth certificate or social security card to prove that I am a United States citizen.

Also, it is a good idea to bring banking information. This includes your account number, bank name, and a voided check in order to set up a direct deposit. Be proactive and go to your bank days before your first day to ensure you have all the required information.

Even if your company is small and may not have a Human Resources department, there is a great chance that this information is still required. I remember when I was a senior in high school working at my local movie theatre. We didn’t have a fancy HR department but I remember my manager asking for this information. So be prepared.

Mistake To Avoid On Your First Day Of Work: Not Eating

This is such an obvious tip, but sometimes with the nerves and excitement of your first day you forget to eat. On the first day, you normally meet a lot of people and receive tons of information. Remembering people’s names and learning new tasks is draining. Therefore, you need to nourish your body to stay in the game. As my Dad always says, a car doesn’t run without fuel and neither do you.

Mistake To Avoid On Your First Day Of Work: Not Sleeping

This note goes with the last one. When you are sleep deprived it is easy to make mistakes. Get a good night’s rest to be alert and ready for what your job throws at you.

Not bringing a Pen & Paper

Do you want to show your supervisor that you’re on top of things? If yes, you should have a pen & notepad as soon as you walk through the office doors. Maybe you have a super, awesome memory; for me, there is nothing worse than having someone give you directions/tasks and you have to memorize them. It is easy to forget what your supervisor said when you get to your desk. Having something to scribble down shows that you are engaged and are less likely to forget what they said. It is awful to go back and say “Uh, can you tell me for the 2^nd/3^rd time because I forgot what you said.” Write it down.

In Case You’ve Missed It, Check Out

How do you Pick a College Major
Don’t Have Money, But I Want to Learn a Language. What Do I Do?
Hey Ms. Traveler On YouTube
Hey Ms. Traveler’s FREE Travel E-Course