Your first day at work can be scary. You have to adjust to many things. You need to learn how to deal with co-workers and clients. You also need to do your job well.

Don’t worry! It becomes easier with time. Knowing these 10 tips can help you:

1. Punctuality

• Being on time is important because:

• time is money
• it shows respect
• Being punctual means:

• being at work 10-15 minutes before your time (or a meeting).
• If you cannot avoid being late:

• call to say that you will be late by 5-10 minutes
• apologize and give a good reason
• do your best not to be late again

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2. Language

   • You need English to communicate well in the workplace.
   • Get used to how your co-workers speak.
   • Observe:

   • how they pronounce words
   • how fast they talk
   • what idioms they use
   • Never stop learning the language.
   • Speak English as often as you can. Practice makes perfect!

Interpersonal communication

• Canadians are polite and respectful.
• They say things indirectly.
• They will say: “how are you?” to start a conversation.
• Answer with “I’m good/I’m fine, thank you”. Ask them how they are as well.
• In a conversation, remember to:

• have good eye contact
• pay attention and listen well
• ask them to repeat what was said if you did not understand the first time
• ask politely
• say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate

At meetings

• Listen and participate.
• Bring a note pad. Write down important points. It shows that you are engaged and listening.
• Participate:

• ask questions (make sure that they are relevant).
• share your ideas
• disagree but be tactful when saying it. Be sensitive.
• do not interrupt when someone is talking
• wait for your turn to speak.
• Put your phone on silent mode. Don’t answer a call unless urgent.

Professional jargon

• Jargon are words that are used in your field. They can be technical terms.
• Use jargon when appropriate.

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3. Body language

   • Eye contact is important.
   • Shake hands firmly when meeting people. This shows respect.
   • Don’t cross your arms across your chest when speaking to someone. You will look unfriendly.
   • Fidgeting and slouching shows that you are bored. This is impolite.
   • Smile! It shows that you are open and approachable.

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4. Small talk

   • Small talk is light conversation with your co-workers. It is done usually before starting the work day or during breaks.
   • Talk about:

   • the weather
   • current events
   • sports
   • Don’t talk about:

   • finances
   • salary
   • married/love life
   • religion
   • politics
   • race
   • sex
   • any topic that is too personal
   • Don’t gossip or complain, especially about the boss.
   • Read 5 big ideas for better small talk.

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5. Personal space

   • Observe proper distance when talking to someone.
   • It is safe keeping at least two feet of space (or an arm’s length).
   • Order is expected in all workplaces.
   • Avoid shouting or talking loudly. Do not disturb your co-workers.

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6. Hierarchy

   • Status is not a priority.
   • Respect is given to everyone equally in the workplace.
   • Seniors and bosses may be addressed by their first names.
   • When meeting someone for the first time:

   • address them by Mr., Ms. or professional titles like Dr. or Professor
   • wait until they ask to be addressed by their first names
   • Don’t use “ma’am” or “sir”, or “madam”. These are too formal. They are not used in the workplace.

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7. Individualistic culture

   • Do your own job well. But help your team succeed.
   • Help whenever needed. Do more than your job description.
   • The most important values at work are:

   • flexibility
   • continuous learning
   • openness to change
   • positive attitude
   • initiative
   • Don’t expect your boss to tell you what to do.
   • Work independently with minimum supervision.

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8. Initiative and accountability

   • Be proactive at work.
   • Think of ways that will make your work better and more efficient.
   • Don’t wait to be told what to do. Don’t ask before you do a task that is part of your job.
   • Always meet your deadlines. It is a serious commitment.
   • Learn to under promise and over deliver.

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9. Dress code

   • Dress is informal to casual in most offices.
   • Dress simply and neatly. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the weather!
   • People who work in banks or law offices are expected to wear formal business attire.
   • Ask the HR if this is not clear to you.
   • See if your workplace has a “scent-free environment” policy. This means that no one is allowed to wear perfume or scented products. Some may have environmental sensitivities or allergies.

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10. Safety

    • Canadians value a safe and clean work environment.
    • Keep your work area orderly. Help maintain cleanliness.
    • Observe safety rules and regulations.
    • Follow safety rules strictly especially if you work in a high-risk work place (e.g. construction site or laboratory).
    • Workplaces have safety and emergency guidelines. Know them.