Starting a new job is exciting—and yes, it can also be nerve-wracking. You’re stepping into a new space, meeting new people, and trying to make a good impression. It’s a lot. But with the right preparation, your first day can be the start of something great. At Union Kitchen’s Career Development Program (UKCDP), we’ve helped hundreds of participants transition into new jobs with confidence. We've created this guides to share everything we've learned with you!
Your first impression starts before you walk through the door.
Plan your route.
Make sure you know exactly where your workplace is, how long it takes to get there, and what time you need to arrive. If possible, do a trial run the day before. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
Review your job info.
Read through your job description and any emails or documents you received when you were hired. What are your responsibilities? What should you bring with you? Having clarity on what’s expected will help ease anxiety.
Learn about the company.
Check out the company’s website, social media, or any materials you were given. What do they care about? Who do they serve? Understanding the company culture helps you fit in faster.
Your clothes don’t have to be fancy—but they should be clean, appropriate, and make you feel confident.
If you’re unsure about the dress code, ask. In general, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed on the first day. Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking or standing in, and avoid anything that might get in the way of your work.
How you interact with your coworkers matters as much as your work itself.
Smile and introduce yourself.
Make eye contact, offer a handshake if appropriate, and say something simple like, “Hi, I’m [your name]. I just started today and I’m excited to be here.”
Show curiosity.
If you’re shadowing someone, ask questions. Write things down. People notice when you’re engaged—and it leaves a strong impression.
Be present.
Put your phone away and focus on the people and tasks in front of you. The first day is all about learning—treat it like a one-day class that sets you up for success.
It’s okay to not know everything. No one expects you to be perfect on the first day. They just want to see that you’re open, respectful, and eager to learn.
Take notes.
You’re going to get a lot of information. Bring a notebook or use the Notes app on your phone to jot things down (just be sure to explain what you’re doing so people don’t think you’re texting).
Ask thoughtful questions.
If something doesn’t make sense, ask for clarification. It shows you care about doing the job well.
Be patient—with yourself and others.
Mistakes happen. What matters is how you respond. Stay calm, ask for help, and keep moving forward.
You’ll be introducing yourself all day. A quick elevator pitch (a 15–30 second intro) can help.
Here’s a basic version:
"Hi, my name is [name], and I just joined as a [position]. I’m excited to get started here.”
You can tailor this based on your background and comfort level, but the goal is to be clear, confident, and approachable.
DO:
Be on time or early
Smile and greet people
Bring a notebook and pen
Stay positive and open-minded
Say thank you—often
DON’T:
Arrive late or leave early without letting someone know
Use your phone during training unless permitted
Talk about personal or sensitive topics
Try to “wing it” without preparing
Be hard on yourself if everything doesn’t go perfectly
Once you’ve made it through day one, give yourself a moment to reflect. What went well? What did you learn? Is there anything you want to follow up on? This is also a great time to send a quick thank-you email if someone helped you during the day—it leaves a strong impression and builds goodwill.
And remember:
Every job has a learning curve. Give yourself time. Ask for help. Stay engaged. You’ve got this.