Starting a new job can be a nerve-wracking experience for some and it’s understandable. Questions like “How do I make a good first impression?”, “Will my new boss and colleagues like me?”, and “Will I be able to perform to a high standard?” may run through your mind. This is why understanding how to manage new job anxiety can help you make the best start possible. In this article, we’ll share 5 proven tips to conquer those first-day nerves.
1. Practice Self Validation
Remind yourself why you were chosen ahead of the other candidates for the job. This will help you boost your confidence. You can write down your top career achievements in your previous roles to further prove your credibility. You can acknowledge that it’s natural to feel nervous about starting something new and reframe it as excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. Visualise yourself thriving in your new role and focus on the positive aspects of the change.
2. Seek Support From Those Around You
Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or mentors for support and encouragement during this transition. It’s easy to forget about all your qualities when you are anxious. Loved ones can help remind you of your strengths and ease your mind. Sharing your feelings with others can help alleviate anxiety and provide valuable perspective and reassurance.
3. Prepare Yourself Mentally
Acknowledge that it’s natural to feel nervous about starting a new job. Instead of trying to suppress your anxiety, try reframing it as excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. Visualise your career growth and how much closer you are to achieving your dream goals. Preparation can also calm first-day nerves. Making sure that you have all the information about the company will go a long way to help you ease those fears since you’ll have an idea of what to expect.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s natural to want to impress your new employer, but remember that setting high expectations for yourself only adds to the anxiety you may feel. Set healthy boundaries for yourself so you don’t end up overworking to the point of burnout. You can also get some clarity on your new role by asking around about details of your daily responsibilities. This can help you create a plan on how to get organised at your new job and what tools you need to use to succeed.
5. Get To Know Your New Colleagues
Building relationships with your new colleagues can help alleviate feelings of isolation and uncertainty. When you watch and learn from your colleagues, you’ll have a clearer idea of how problems are tackled in the company. This information goes a long way to calm your nerves. This is why you should consider taking the initiative to introduce yourself, ask questions, and engage in conversations to establish rapport and foster a sense of belonging.
Works Cited
Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2023/08/22/10-strategies-to-overcome-new-job-anxiety/?sh=31a157d70c3d. Accessed 2 May 2024.
Handrick, Laura. “35 Tips for Overcoming New Job Anxiety.” Choosing Therapy, https://www.choosingtherapy.com/new-job-anxiety-tips/. Accessed 2 May 2024.
Wooll, Maggie. “New Job Anxiety: 10 Tips for Overcoming Your Nerves.” BetterUp, 6 May 2022, https://www.betterup.com/blog/new-job-anxiety. Accessed 2 May 2024.