Employment Advice: New Job Jitters

by Brenda Bigelow

You got the job in Hampton Roads you wanted – congratulations! Great, now all you have to do is get through the first day and you’ll be fine. The first day…how exciting…then it hits you…THE JITTERS!

–noun 1. jitters, nervousness; a feeling of fright or uneasiness (usually prec. by the): Every time I have to make a speech, I get the jitters.

As your recruiting expert, I would like to provide you with suggestions to beat the jitters, as a neurotic mess is not the image you want to impress on your future employer. When you are described as “The one who makes coffee nervous” you know you have work to do.

So, stop bouncing your leg and wringing your hands this is the easy part, grab a cup of herb tea, settle down, and read on.

The most helpful thing you can do for yourself is…BE PREPARED.

• Research the company as much as possible. You may have done so prior to your interview but now you may have some names to Google or some other factoids you did not have before. If it is a new job in Virginia Beach, find out about the surrounding area.
• Get a good night’s sleep. This may take a change in habits. If your day has been spent slugging on the couch with Kathy Griffin and her “D list” this may take some effort.
• Give yourself lots of time. Get up a little earlier; have the outfit planned the night before – do not experiment with the new hairstyle. Remember to stay in dress code. If it is business casual, make it more business than casual. Yes, this may sound very kindergarten, but isn’t that where we learned everything we need to know in life?
• Pack a lunch. This way you will not be caught unawares when the entire office eats at the desk. Not a habit I encourage but unfortunately is the norm in today’s “cubicle culture”.
• Last but by no means least…SMILE! The more approachable you are the more included you will be in the business day. I mean who wants to bond with The Easter Island man look alike.

Now take a deep breath, relax and enjoy your first day on the job you worked so hard to obtain. After all you are well rested, you look great, and you want to be there!