There’s a spring in your step as you are on your way to a new beginning – your first day at Groupon! Ideally, you would have used the last few days for relaxation and preparation. You feel confident through your Google alerts and all the information you have gathered about Groupon thus far. You have your journey all planned out so as not to be late and are ready to rumble.

So, you’ve probably spent a while to think about what you are going to wear on your first day? You’ve been told about the casual wear policy at Groupon – but what does that really mean? One thing for sure, it’s not a green light for pyjamas or tracksuit bottoms. Similar to the whole interview scenario – it is usually always better to be overdressed as opposed to underdressed! Play it safe and go for smart casual on your first few days.

Lately, I have been noticing the circulation of quite a few of horror stories regarding peoples first day’s at companies. These stories range from mobbing to extreme cases, such as the one in Utah about two years ago. Apparently, a temp in a biscuit company was kidnapped by an employee on his first day. Also, just to ease your mind, it is not like an initiation of a fraternity in the US or a university sports club in the UK.

Normally, you will be picked up by the receptionist or the specific recruiter, who will then briefly guide you through process. After filling out various documents (p45, employment handbook acknowledgement, contract, etc.) you will take part in our training program. The length and depth of this program depends on the new recruits’ role. See this as your chance to ask plenty of questions and get involve in group discussions.

At this point, I cannot emphasise the importance of taking notes enough! Not for the sake of impressing management, but for yourself. Moreover, continue to take notes throughout the duration of your employment. All these notes may come in very handy someday – consider them as the documentation of your learning curve.

As mentioned in a previous post, new recruits will be buddying up with a senior member of the team in order to shadow and learn. However, do not forget about the significance of socialising with other employees. Try and locate the “go-to” people in order to find out more about the underlying corporate culture as well as the organisational structure. Don’t underestimate the power of those around you, whether it is the janitor or a fellow team member. Everyone that you communicate with will most likely also be interacting with your boss, and potentially sharing their views with her/him.

There are a lot of myths regarding the beginning of employment. A lot of bloggers, including myself, have blogged about this topic. However, it remains to be said that these tips are merely created to ease your mind and relieve you of stress or anxiety. The way forward is learning by doing, so get involved and check out our vacancies. We look forward to hearing from you : )

Photography by Conorwithonen, Jack Captive, and Håkan Dahlström