Your first day tips
Introduction
Part 1 - Making the transition from Education to Work
Part 2 - WorkLife experience and tips
Part 3 - Doing your job well
Part 4 - The rules of the game
Links
Files
Photo Albums
On the frst day
Your frst experience of your new workplace is likely to be an induction in the form of a
presentation.
Tis can be in the form of a personal presentation at the workplace, or on video, or in some case by
a third party at their premises who specialise in this type of work. Te general rule is that the bigger
the company, the longer the induction program. For a small company, the induction / orientation
can be as basic as a quick chat with the receptionist. Ten you are given a tour around the whole
business. Ten you’re introduced to a few of your co-workers, before starting work.
For a teenager on their frst day of work, this can be extremely confusing. Don’t worry, you are
unlikely to be given any meaningful work until the induction / orientation is over. However, no
matter if the induction is in the ofce or on the job, the induction process is important. It will say
things about the work that this business does and its values.
It may seem like a bit of general knowledge, but be aware of the words that are said and what it says
about the nature and culture of the business. For example:
• Does the business put safety before production?
• What does the business expect of its new starters?
You will generally be asked to complete a test or questionnaire at the end of the induction. Tis
is the employer’s record that you have understood what has been taught. Lots of “Work Skill”
organisations are geared to get you through induction. But this is not a substitute for work readiness.
Two golden rules on your frst day:
1. Do not crack jokes, or criticise anyone. Attempting humour to ease your nerves is not a
good idea.
2. Smile a lot. Be polite and positive. Offer to help should things get quiet.
Your frst experience of your new workplace is likely to be an induction in the form of a
presentation.
Tis can be in the form of a personal presentation at the workplace, or on video, or in some case by
a third party at their premises who specialise in this type of work. Te general rule is that the bigger
the company, the longer the induction program. For a small company, the induction / orientation
can be as basic as a quick chat with the receptionist. Ten you are given a tour around the whole
business. Ten you’re introduced to a few of your co-workers, before starting work.
For a teenager on their frst day of work, this can be extremely confusing. Don’t worry, you are
unlikely to be given any meaningful work until the induction / orientation is over. However, no
matter if the induction is in the ofce or on the job, the induction process is important. It will say
things about the work that this business does and its values.
It may seem like a bit of general knowledge, but be aware of the words that are said and what it says
about the nature and culture of the business. For example:
• Does the business put safety before production?
• What does the business expect of its new starters?
You will generally be asked to complete a test or questionnaire at the end of the induction. Tis
is the employer’s record that you have understood what has been taught. Lots of “Work Skill”
organisations are geared to get you through induction. But this is not a substitute for work readiness.
Two golden rules on your frst day:
1. Do not crack jokes, or criticise anyone. Attempting humour to ease your nerves is not a
good idea.
2. Smile a lot. Be polite and positive. Offer to help should things get quiet.