First day at the new office
Your first day at a new office: the kurta or the shirt-and-cardigan look, the low bun, and the three names to learn before lunch.
- autopilot
- hermes
- work
Nobody expects you to know everything on day one. They just want to see you're easy to talk to.
You reach the lobby early and stand near the lift with your ID card still in your hand, waiting for someone to come and take you up. The desk you are shown to is bare, the chair is new, and the person seated next to you already has a mug and one small plant on her table. You do not yet know where the printer is, or who to ask.
The look
One modest option: a cotton kurta in a solid colour, deep blue or a soft green, with straight pants in the same family and a light dupatta. Pin the dupatta at one shoulder so it stays where you put it. A modern option: a plain shirt in white or cream, tucked into dark grey or navy trousers, with a cardigan in berry or rust over it. Pick clothes you have already worn once and could sit in for a full day.
For the hair, a low bun or a neat ponytail, both tied so that nothing needs fixing by noon. One small detail is enough: thin studs, or a single thin chain, and a watch that works. Not all three. Closed shoes you can walk in, because a first day is mostly walking.
The move
Learn three names before lunch and use each one once. When someone tells you their name, say it back the same minute, "Ritika, right?" Then use it later in the day, at the lift, at lunch, in the corridor. Saying a name back is also how you hold on to it, and three names are enough for one day.
What to say first
"Hi, I'm new, I've just joined the team. How long have you been here?"
Nothing more. The question at the end gives the other person the next line.
If it goes sideways
Suppose someone greets you by name and yours has gone blank. Say it plainly: "Tell me your name once more, I'm still learning everyone today." Then repeat it back. Asking twice is a fair thing to do on your first day.
One thing to try today
Before you sleep tonight, open your phone and write the three names down, one line each, with where you met the person. Tomorrow, greet each of them by name first.
Each Sunday: one moment coming up this week, the look for it and the one line to say first. All the moment cards are at /moments.
One moment a week.
Each Sunday: one moment coming up this week, the look for it and the one line to say first. One click stops it, and the list is never sold or shared.