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Would this be a strange first-day gesture?
I start a new next month job! And I'm contemplating on bringing a note pad and taking notes on the first day of work. Has anyone brought their own note pad in on their first day of work? Or is that an uncool/frowned upon/nerdy gesture?
I'm a big note taker and think I'll especially need it while being trained but I don't want to look like a ridiculous outcast while doing so. :) Any thoughts?
Paulla Fetzek
Teacher, Lighting Expert, & Office Professional
1.73k
06/25/20 at 12:54PM UTC
Congratulations on the new job. I wish you all the best success.
As for the notepad... It doesn't matter if someone else thinks it looks silly. What matters is that you feel prepared and able to tackle this new role.
I too am a note taker. I've had people get frustrated at times because I ask them to repeat themselves so I can take notes. If someone comments or acts negatively I say, "Would you like this done correctly? If so, I need to take notes."
One of my top professional pet peeves is when I'm training in something detailed and someone doesn't take notes. When this happens, I tend to think:
a. The person not taking notes doesn't care about the job or
the project at hand.
b. The person not taking notes doesn't think much of me
And finally... if I did a training and someone didn't take notes... Then later comes by and asks me a question... I have no problem kindly reminding him/her, "If you'd have taken notes, you'd be able to look for that information."
Anonymous
06/24/20 at 4:04AM UTC
Not at all! I think it would be a great idea, and will make you look very good with your new employer. Congratulations on the new job!
Christen NgLeader of tech & analytics to fuel social impact
65
06/23/20 at 11:21PM UTC
Congrats! I think this could only work in your favor - taking diligent notes and coming prepared is always a good first impression in my book.
Jillian KnappEducator, Storyteller, Lifeline
826
06/18/20 at 10:49PM UTC
I am also a huge note taker and I`m known for walking around with my clip board. It looks way more professional than just a notebook. Pick one up at an office store (I prefer one with a cover) and clip some blank pages inside to take notes. That`s what I normally do. I use a fresh page for everyone I meet with then organize after. Wishing you all the best on your new job!
Crystal Rhinebergerprofessional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
2.29k
06/18/20 at 3:34PM UTC
I showed up overdressed for my first day
Rofl it was sales and I was dressed for the office so nope no judgement here
TL Talbert
49
06/18/20 at 1:38PM UTC
Yes I agree with the commenters. As an HR Manager and Trainer, I highly suggest it. I’ve had to train some of my previous employees and I was so irritated when they didn’t show up with a notepad and pencil ready to take notes. It showed me that they didn’t take the job/ their role seriously. I had one girl who literally did not take notes and wanted to take about reality tv shows. Needless to say she was employed only a few weeks and her job performance was poor. Once I handed over the job to her she kept coming to me on tasks that I showed her and recommended her to take notes on. Then I was training another of my employees recently and I really wanted her to succeed so I not only modeled the behavior of always coming into a meeting with a notepad and pen but I highly recommended to her to do the same. She was successful and thankful for my mentoring her. I am a big note taker even when people suggest I don’t need to take notes. Understanding people are open to helping but schedules may not be all the time, that’s where those Jhansi notes come into play.
Best to you and congratulations!!!
Jeannette RoessleExecutive Assistant in PA
19
06/18/20 at 1:23PM UTC
I always bring my own notepad, pen and sticky note pad on the first day. I can take my notes as I am either training or remembering people's names! It is not whether you look cool or not at all, its how you do your job.
PSMarketing is my jam
149
06/17/20 at 5:58PM UTC (Edited)
All the best! Absolutely bring a notebook and pen (I like the addition of Post-Its...love Post-Its). This simple and positive gesture illustrates you are ready and willingness to begin again!
vickideuserBe Brave - Be You!
80
06/17/20 at 4:38PM UTC
Congratulations on the new position. Like all of the other comments here -- definitely take a notepad and pen. It says you are eager to learn and not relying on them to 'furnish' things for your success. Good Luck!!!
Barb HansenStartup Product, Growth & Strategy
6.67k
06/17/20 at 4:18PM UTC
Yes, I bring paper and a pen to work on my first day. I also bring a laptop and post-it-notes :)
This next statement comes from a place of support :) --- If you are about to fall into the "I'm nervous about my new job, and I'm starting to overthink things" canyon, step back from the edge. You got hired because the company wants you there, bring your best self to your first day including paper, pens, a bottle with water, laptop or ipad and anything else that helps you be productive on Day 1. You got this!
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