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What Nerves? Read This Before You Start Your New Job

While starting a job is water off a duck's back for some, emotions and nerves often get the better of others. Besides meeting new people, you also have to get used to how things work.

Most companies use the first month as a 'honeymoon' or 'grace period' where you simply learn the ropes and settle in. The onus is on you to grasp everything quickly and hit the ground running.

You want to bring across the best version of yourself on the first day, so like your parents said when you had to have your photograph taken - smile! You're the new kid on the block and gives people an idea of who you are without having to talk to you first.

If you're in the process of starting a new job, Gumtree has put together a couple of tips to make sure you'll feel right at home on the first day:

Get to know the team

Instead of just knowing the names, do some online research about your new team. Get a jist of their background and specific roles in the team and how you can work together going forward. Before you officially start work, you could:

  • Take a day to visit the offices.
  • Briefly introduce yourself.
  • Not be completely overwhelmed on the day and shatter some nerves.

Ask questions

Making mistakes because you're just starting is expected. Each company has different processes or ways of doing things, and it will take adjustment to be able to get used to everything. Ask questions if you don't understand something, though refrain from asking the same questions regularly, and if it works for you, make a physical note of it. Managers or supervisors will be on hand to help you (slowly) transition into the role and what is required.

Do your 'homework'

Before starting the job and while you have time off, brainstorm a couple of new ideas and share them with the team once you've officially started. Like they say - first impressions last. This shows you are raring to go and want to succeed in the role while giving you extra brownie points with your superior and new colleagues.

Forget about your ex

No, not the one that broke your heart in high school. Start your job with a clean canvas, i.e., forget how you used to do (specific) things at your old job because the new job will likely have its own way of doing things. In occupations like accounting or programming, systems remain largely the same, and having previous experience in systems can help you.

Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.