On the first day of a new job, many people are nervous and anxious to learn about their new employer and co-workers. While a new job is an exciting venture and a great first step down a new career path, it can also represent the first experience that a person will have within a corporate work environment. 
For recent college graduates and younger workers, maneuvering through the various rules of office etiquette can be especially challenging due to their lack of prior work experience. However, knowing a few of the basic guidelines for behavior can help anyone get a new job off to the right start.
Dress Professionally
A first impression is usually made based upon a person’s appearance. Therefore, it is essential to show up for the first day of work dressed appropriately for the job position.
If a young professional is not sure of the proper attire, then they can inquire about the dress code during their interview. It can also be helpful to observe what others are wearing when taken on a tour of the company.
Don’t Use Slang
It is important to remember that new coworkers are not the same as a person’s group of friends. This is especially true in the beginning when a new hire may not know enough about their coworkers to avoid offending them or hurting their feelings by using slang or talking to casually in conversations.
Young professionals should stick to professional speech as they would use when talking to a teacher or another person in authority.
Stick to a Schedule
Being on time for the first day makes it clear that a person is serious about their new position. On the other hand, being late hints that a person may also slack off on deadlines and other important job responsibilities.
It is also important to adhere to a schedule for lunches and breaks as well. When it doubt, a new employee should ask what their scheduled breaks are or how much time is generally allotted for lunch periods.
Try New Experiences
Sometimes, the best way to learn about a new working environment is to gain experience through temporary jobs. Or better yet, practice. If you are new with software engineering jobs, or you lack experience on it, you can try practice basic coding or watch programming tutorials to refresh your mind about what you know on the specific field you are soon to take. These jobs offer recent graduates and younger employees a chance to work within an industry with very little commitment.
This can offer them a great opportunity to learn more about a professional standard of behavior so that they will be prepared when they obtain their coveted permanent position.
Beginning a new job is an exciting moment for recent graduates and young professionals. However, making a great first impression is vital to long-term success within a company. Even experienced professionals can benefit from taking the time to observe their new environment and by making sure to be careful to follow all of the basic rules of etiquette for the workplace.
