Beat First-Day Nerves

'First-day nerves are normal, whether you're moving to a new company or being promoted,' says Penny Ferguson, author of Transform Your Life (Infinite Ideas Limited). 'But it's important not to let them sink your self-esteem. The problem is, if you keep thinking you're not good enough to be there or that your new colleagues don't like you, you'll begin to behave as it this is true and not give yourself the chance to soar that you deserve.'

Here's how to turn those negative naggings around...

'What If I Make a Bad First Impression?'
Want to make your mark without being put in the 'diva' box? Then think of a friend or an old colleague you really respect, and the last time you had a tricky conversation with them. Write down what it was you appreciated about the way they handled themselves – was it the tone they used, the way they listened or the fact they made eye contact? Mimic this behaviour in your new job and people will be impressed.

'What If They Think I'm Not Good Enough?'
Look at the facts: you've been given the job, so your new boss believes you're capable of doing it. Don't convince yourself you can't. Instead of panicking when you're given your first big task, think about what information you need to succeed and make sure you get it. Whose help should you ask for? What research should you do? Where could things go wrong and how can you stop that happening?

'What If My Workmates Are Cliquey?'
You can't make people like you, but you can act in a way that shows you're worthy of their time. Imagine you're six months into the job: what kind of relationship do you want with colleagues? Do you want to be seen as a mentor? Someone who helps when they're stuck? How can you get to this point? Support their ideas, remember facts about their lives and they'll have no reason to complain.

'What If I'm Sat In The Dead Zone?
Got to your new desk only to find it full of your predecessor's mess? Or that you're positioned away from all the action? Don't panic. It's far more likely that your boss has been too busy to set everything up for you than to be a sign they don't want you there. Use this as an opportunity to show your worth. Get on the phone to IT and get your computer working, find out who to call to get rid of the rubbish and introduce yourself to the team you want to be sat with. This isn't a time to moan but one to show you can handle it.

Author: Suzy Cox