Congratulations! You sent out your resume, <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/5-ways-you-can-make-a-lasting-positive-impressionitive-impression-at-a-job-interview" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">nailed the interview</a>, and you have successfully landed your dream job. It can be an incredible feeling to get a new position, and you deserve to pat yourself on the back!&nbsp;However, for many people, that excitement can wear off as their first day of work approaches, and it can be replaced by fear and worry. It is perfectly natural to have first-day jitters, but we are here to tell you that there are ways to stay calm and enjoy the experience. 
If your new job is about to start, then these tactics can help you to be comfortable and more confident on the first day. 
<h2>Start Preparing The Day Before</h2>
 Some people get more nervous than others when it comes to trying something new. If you know that you will inevitably get nervous when you approach the office that first day, then it may be a wise idea to start mentally <a href="https://www.careercontessa.com/advice/first-day-new-job-preparation/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">preparing yourself the day before</a>. Think about some of the aspects that get you nervous and practice getting through your anxiety. For instance, if you fear that you may be tardy on your first day, then spend some time planning your route and even practice driving it. The idea is to get to work early so you aren&rsquo;t rushing and you can make a good impression. Just don&rsquo;t try to get there too early, or you may end up sitting in your car for 30 minutes, and the nerves could build up again.
&nbsp;
Another good idea is to plan out what you intend to wear on your first day. Dress appropriately for the position but wear something that makes you feel good. That could be a brand-new suit or a lucky collared shirt. Just make sure that it matches the dress code. Lay your outfit out now, so you don&rsquo;t need to rush in the morning.
&nbsp;
Finally, make it a point to get <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/7-tips-for-employers-to-support-self-care-for-emp" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">adequate rest</a> the night before your first day. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep so you can wake up feeling mentally refreshed. If you are already nervous and you fear that you will have trouble falling asleep, then you may want to <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/your-guide-to-creating-the-right-bedtime-routine/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tweak your bedtime routine</a>. Go to bed at a decent time and avoid eating a heavy dinner that could create digestive issues overnight. Avoid staring at your phone as you lay in bed and instead consider a relaxing activity like reading your favorite book. You&rsquo;ll be asleep in no time. 
<h2>Know What To Expect</h2>
 The next step is to mentally prepare yourself so that you can be sharp when you arrive at work on your first day. You will likely be subjected to a lot of new information as you go through the onboarding process. Prepare to <a href="https://asana.com/resources/first-day-of-work" rel="noopener" target="_blank">learn a lot</a>, including the company policies, an overview of your initial responsibilities, the tools you will be using, and the login information that you will need to remember to access them. 
&nbsp;
You will likely meet a lot of new people. Don&rsquo;t worry about remembering every name, as that will come over time. However, if you are typically nervous about meeting people and introducing yourself, then you can make it easier to break the ice by researching your colleagues ahead of time on LinkedIn. Proper&nbsp;research will give you discussion topics, and it will be a lot easier to match faces to names and remember those names.
&nbsp;
While every first day will be a bit different depending on the company, one thing that you can count on is that you&rsquo;ll likely be busy. If you aren&rsquo;t prepared, then you may quickly become physically and mentally drained. You can prevent those negative feelings by making it a point to <a href="https://www.stanley1913.com/blogs/how-to-guides/how-to-stay-energized-the-whole-day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">stay energized throughout the day</a> by drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy lunch, and packing a healthy and energetic snack, like almonds. Coffee can also help but try not to overdo it, or you could experience a crash later in the day. 
<h2>Calming Your Jitters</h2>
 If you prepare for your first day, but you are still very nervous, then there are several tactics that you can try during the day to keep your nerves at bay. When you get a moment alone, consider some deep breathing exercises. By focusing on your breathing, you can decrease your heart rate and slow your racing thoughts. One of the easiest exercises to remember is the <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/4-7-8-breathing" rel="noopener" target="_blank">4-7-8 method</a>. This is where you inhale as you slowly count to four. Then, hold your breath for seven seconds. Finally, slowly exhale for eight seconds. Repeat that exercise until you feel better.
&nbsp;
It is also a smart idea to use positive affirmations to build yourself up if you are feeling scared. Remind yourself that this employer hired you for a reason and that you are the best person for the job. Think about why you wanted this job in the first place and why it is your passion to do what you are doing. This little pep-talk can be key to rebuilding your confidence.
&nbsp;
Finally, if you know yourself well enough to know that you will have jitters, then consider having a friend or family member on standby that you can call during a break. Talking to someone you trust for a few minutes can give you the confidence that you need to go back to work and take on the rest of your first day.
&nbsp;
In the end, if you are nervous about your first day at work, then know that many people feel the same way. Consider the tips and advice described here, and you can start your new position with confidence. 
&nbsp;Looking for a role or changing careers? Register <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" title="Register Today!">here</a> to apply for available roles with our partners!&nbsp;&nbsp;
<hr>

Content Contributor:
Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She is interested in better living through technology and education. She loves traveling to beautiful places and is frequently lost in a good book.

Start your new job confidently by preparing the day before, knowing what to expect, and staying calm.

First Day Prep at a New Job | Getting Hired

First Day Prep at a New Job

Marketing oneself while job-seeking can be challenging for anyone. For BIPOC talent, who have been told time and again by the forces of racism and white supremacy that they are less deserving of opportunity, this can be doubly challenging. With <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-29/job-applicants-with-black-names-still-less-likely-to-get-the-interview" rel="noopener" target="_blank">studies showing</a> that BIPOC talent is less likely to get interview callbacks than their white counterparts, it&rsquo;s no wonder that going through the job-seeking process can be discouraging for BIPOC talent. While feeling dismayed is a valid feeling, there are ways BIPOC talent can leverage their skills and backgrounds to create stellar profiles for employers.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h4>With this in mind here are 4 tips for BIPOC talent to market themselves while job-seeking:&nbsp; </h4>
<ol>
<li>Create an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a short summary of your professional self, your goals, and your experience. This is a great and simple exercise to start feeling more comfortable talking about your strengths and skills. Need a place to start? <a href="https://techlatino.org/why-everyone-needs-an-elevator-pitch/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tech Latino explains</a> how everyone needs an elevator pitch, even current workers! Copywriter Course has a great <a href="https://copywritingcourse.com/elevator-pitch/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Elevator Pitch template</a> and practical tips for how to pitch yourself.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
<li> Share what motivates you. Employers appreciate fresh authenticity, especially when having to sift through hundreds of job applicants. Whether it's in your cover letter, job interview, or even your LinkedIn profile, sharing what motivates you in your industry is a great way to separate yourself from the crowd. Perhaps it&rsquo;s giving back to your community or building on a legacy of professionals within your family lineage. Whatever your &ldquo;why&rdquo; is, knowing the answer can be your guide as you make your way through the job-seeking process.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
<li>Keep Imposter Syndrome in check. Imposter Syndrome can make you feel as if you don&rsquo;t belong in the professional world. According to <a href="https://www.intheknow.com/post/imposter-syndrome-young-black-employees/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">psychologist Dr. Orb&eacute;-Austin</a>, who coaches young Black professionals on how to overcome Imposter Syndrome, &ldquo;the triggers for Imposter Syndrome can be very different for the BIPOC community.&rdquo; Remind yourself that yes, you deserve opportunities and that yes, you have valuable skills that would make you an asset to an employer.</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
<li> Attend a networking event for professional minorities. Not only are networking events an excellent way to meet other BIPOC professionals, they&rsquo;re also an opportunity to practice your elevator pitch! Remember: You are not the only minority who has experienced the job-seeking journey. Connecting with others can help you feel less isolated, more grounded, and more validating. Many minority-based professional organizations host networking events, such as the <a href="https://members.naaap.org/join-naaap" rel="noopener" target="_blank">National Association of Asian American Professionals</a> and the <a href="https://www.ncaied.org/about-ncaied/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
 It&rsquo;s no secret that being a BIPOC professional can be challenging&ndash; the job-seeking experience is no exception. However, with good self-esteem, marketing, and networking, BIPOC can make themselves stand out to employers. The bottom line? Don&rsquo;t undervalue yourself!&nbsp;
&nbsp; Are you currently looking for a role? Our employer partners are hiring!

4 tips for BIPOC talent to market themselves and stand out in the job-seeking process.

Effectively Marketing Yourself  as BIPOC Talent While Job-Seeking | Getting Hired

Effectively Marketing Yourself  as BIPOC Talent While Job-Seeking

During your high school years, you may have been exposed to the opportunity of learning another language. Still, depending on many factors, you might miss out on this opportunity. There are many benefits to learning a second language. In this article, we&rsquo;ll focus on how learning languages can boost one's career opportunities. After all, if you are a student, you&rsquo;ll likely want to stand out from the crowd when applying for a job!
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"> 7 Ways Learning a Second Language Can Enhance Your Career Opportunities<o:p></o:p></h3>
The task of learning a new language can seem daunting at first. However,&nbsp; learning a second language brings many benefits, and in this section of the article, we&rsquo;ll be focusing on seven of them. 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;">Better Chance Of Landing Your Dream Job</li>
<li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;">Increased Number Of Interview Invitations</li>
<li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;">More Freelance Opportunities</li>
<li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;">Improved Brain Functionality</li>
<li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;">More Opportunities To Advance In Your Career</li>
<li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;">Enhanced People Skills</li>
<li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;">Better Speaking And Writing Skills</li>
</ul>

<h3>Better Chance Of Landing Your Dream Job</h3>
We all have that dream job we see ourselves working for most of our lives. However, things can get competitive for most ideal jobs. So, to give yourself the best chance of success, you should apply for similar jobs in other parts of the world. This is where being bi- or multilingual becomes very beneficial, as you won&rsquo;t be forced to a particular geographical location when looking for jobs. 
<h3> Increased Number Of Interview Invitations</h3>
Learning a second language increases the number of jobs you can apply for and is likely to impress your potential employers. At times, due to the lack of skilled labor, some businesses choose to hire foreigners with the hopes they can adjust to the culture and language. However, when you show you have knowledge of the language or, at least, the willingness to learn, you instantly become a more attractive prospect to most companies.
<h3> More Freelance Opportunities</h3>
If you decide that the idea of working a full-time job is tasking, you can consider freelancing opportunities. Individuals, businesses, and even corporations are almost always looking for translators to join their teams for short-term contracts. For instance, many <a href="https://thewordpoint.com/services/certified" rel="noopener" target="_blank">certified translation services</a> offer document translations and, thus,&nbsp; constantly look for skilled translators. You get to decide your hours, and you get paid to simply translate documents. 
<h3> Improved Brain Functionality</h3>
As you can imagine, learning a new language is a challenging thing to do. It requires time, effort, and a lot of brain power. Don&rsquo;t let this scare you, as things get easier after a few weeks of learning. This isn&rsquo;t because the workload is less but because your brain functionality improves. Much research has been done into the benefits of learning a second language on the brain. For example, you can see a boost in memory and analytical skills. These are skills that will allow you to excel in job interviews.
<h3> More Opportunities To Advance In Your Career</h3>
Businesses that are looking to expand will always want to look for talent within their organization first before hiring outside. By learning a second language, you would be increasing your chances of getting a promotion. This isn&rsquo;t always guaranteed, but if an opportunity does present itself, you would be in the best position to take it. For instance, companies that offer excellent <a href="https://www.grabmyessay.com/academic-ghostwriting" rel="noopener" target="_blank">academic ghostwriting services</a> often look to hire writers that are fluent in more than one language.&nbsp;
<h3> Enhanced People Skills</h3>
Learning a second language will improve your chances of meeting more people you can converse with. Also, as learning a new language requires learning about the culture, you&rsquo;ll develop the necessary people skills to excel in most workplaces. Good people skills, paired with leadership skills, are one of the easy ways to climb the corporate ladder.
<h3> Better Speaking And Writing Skills</h3>
When <a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/7-steps-learn-new-language" rel="noopener" target="_blank">learning a new language</a>, you&rsquo;ll often find yourself thinking deeply about how to convey your thoughts. While this might seem difficult at first, it can lead to better speaking and writing skills. With time, you&rsquo;ll find it easier to present your thoughts in a clear and understandable manner in both languages you speak. 
<h2>In Conclusion</h2>
Learning a new language comes with its own challenges but even more benefits. It can improve your chances career-wise in numerous ways. So, if you are a college student or new to the job market, you should consider setting aside time to learn a new language today. 
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Searching for a new position or switching careers? &nbsp;To apply and discover more about opportunities that are HIRING NOW, create an account at <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" rel="follow">careercircle.com</a>. </h4>
<hr>
<h2> Author&rsquo;s Bio</h2>
Ruby Butz is a freelance writer and career advisor. While she primarily works with college students, she is always open to opportunities where she can help many more people. This has motivated her articles on career opportunities and how best to take advantage of them. Ruby enjoys long walks with her Golden Retriever in her free time.

Boost your career by learning a second language. Discover 7 ways it can enhance your job opportunities.

Learning a Second Language & Your Career | Getting Hired

Looking to enhance your career opportunities? Learning a second language could be the key. Our blog explores how speaking a second language can boost your professional prospects, from opening up new job opportunities to improving communication skills and cultural understanding. Discover the benefits of bilingualism and take your career to the next level.

Learning a Second Language & Your Career

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Staff Writer

142 Articles

First Day Prep at a New Job

Effectively Marketing Yourself as BIPOC Talent While Job-Seeking

Learning a Second Language & Your Career