Haveo · Social anxiety at work

The first day at a new job

Almost nothing is expected of you on day one. You are not being assessed, you are being set up — accounts, a laptop, a tour, some meetings you will not follow. Write down every name and do not try to be impressive.

What actually happens

Paperwork, a laptop that does not work, accounts that are not ready, and being introduced to more people than anyone could retain.

Some meetings you will not understand. That is normal on day one and normal in week three.

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Write every name down

Name, team, one detail, in your phone, all day. You will meet twenty people and remember three without this.

Nobody minds. Everyone assumes you are taking notes, which you are.

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You are allowed to not know anything

"I am completely new, can you explain what that team does?" has an expiry date and it is the most useful sentence you have. Spend it.

Writing down the acronyms and asking later is fine too.

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Lunch

The bit people dread most. Say yes to whatever is offered on the first day, even if you would rather not — it is the cheapest possible entry to the group.

If nothing is offered, ask one person. "Is there anywhere decent nearby?" usually turns into them showing you.

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The first week is not the job

Feeling useless is the standard experience and it is not evidence about whether you can do it. Most people describe it lifting somewhere around week three.

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Rehearse it before you walk in.

Haveo builds your intro, lets you practice out loud with an AI coach, and keeps your notes one tap away in the room. Free on iPhone and iPad.

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Common questions

What should I wear?
Ask before the day — "what do people usually wear?" is a normal question to send your manager. It removes one whole decision.
What if I forget everyone's name?
You will. Asking again in week one is completely expected and nobody counts it.
Should I stay late to look keen?
No. Leaving at a normal time on day one sets the pattern you actually want, and nobody is noting your hours yet.
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