So you have gone through the gruelling process of interviews pumped with adrenaline and armed with a hard core powerpoint presentation and succeeded above your competitors.. congratulations on your new role! Only one thing to do now that's to go celebrate, say your goodbyes and plan a new working wardrobe. Only there is much more to it, after the excitement of the prospect and delight in being offered that new role the nerves begin to kick in again.

We have all been there and myself and my colleagues not only advise all our successful candidates but we have ALL been there too. One of my favourite books and one I often refer to is Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway Susan Jeffers. What Susan encourages in the book is not to be afraid to jump and take challenges you will better yourself as a person by dragging yourself out of your comfort zone, it's a strange phenomena that when ones pushes themselves and achieve goals you thought where set for others you do feel a sense of euphoria and drive to continue to challenge yourself. To start a new job can be daunting experience especially if you are making a move from a company you have been with for years, there is one aspect that you need to keep at the forefront of your mindset and that is that EVERYONE has been in the same position and one stage in their career.

Here are a few pointers to keep your head cool on that first big day: Twas the night before… Make sure you have planned your wardrobe for the full week ahead so pressed shirts, suit dry cleaned. Ladies always check the heels, clean out the bag and plan accessories for each outfit thus avoiding that well known wardrobe malfunction situation at 7.45 when you should be running out the door! Not forgetting don't let the nerves get in the way of a good night sleep. Prep work… Of course you have done your homework but have you looked at that powerpoint presentation or company website since the interview? Refresh your memory, company structure the company main players and big clients they look after. On route.. Give yourself enough time to get there in the morning check the traffic reports tube / tram / trains we've been let down before, try to avoid delays as much as possible on your first day.. plan your route! Social… Chances are there'll be someone appointed to guide you through the how, why and when's my advise is to ask if you could join them for lunch this will give you an opportunity to be shown around the best places locally to lunch to build relations in a more relaxed environment than the office. If allowing it is always a good idea to whiz round an intro email to say "hi" communication is key to building relations with your peers. Keep Calm and Carry On.. Even if after hours of potentially intense training keep relaxed and focused NEVER feel that you should know things first time round and ask a lot of questions, as I have been told in the past there are no silly questions! Shine! Lastly BE CONFIDENT they gave the job for more than one reason you are an asset to that company as soon as you walk in the door never forget what you are there to offer and deliver with ongoing confidence :)   Good Luck and Enjoy!