Can You Be Yourself on Your First Day at a New Job?
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Marhaban everyone! my name is Bilel and I'm from Tunisia . I have a bachelor's degree in English (International Relations). I have worked as a translator, International Business Developer and a director in a teaching center. After COVID, I started my carrier as a part-time English teacher in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia. I'm an ambitious person, and never give up my dream of working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, and why not be an ambassador someday!?
I'm thrilled to see you all in the Langclub sessions.
Topic guide Optional
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1-minute overview
Starting a new job puts two instincts in tension. You want to show who you really are, yet you also want to be accepted quickly by people who do not know you yet. Researchers who study onboarding have traditionally focused on socialization, meaning how newcomers learn the norms and values of an organization. More recent work asks whether encouraging people to express their authentic selves from the start helps them settle in and perform better.
The first day involves many small choices: how you introduce yourself, what you wear, how much you say in meetings, and whether you admit to feeling nervous. Observing before offering opinions can show good judgment. Yet staying quiet for too long may hide your strengths or make you seem distant.
The debate also concerns responsibility. Is authenticity something newcomers must manage alone, or should managers create a welcoming, psychologically safe environment? Trying too hard to fit in can be tiring, but being too unfiltered can damage trust.
The first day involves many small choices: how you introduce yourself, what you wear, how much you say in meetings, and whether you admit to feeling nervous. Observing before offering opinions can show good judgment. Yet staying quiet for too long may hide your strengths or make you seem distant.
The debate also concerns responsibility. Is authenticity something newcomers must manage alone, or should managers create a welcoming, psychologically safe environment? Trying too hard to fit in can be tiring, but being too unfiltered can damage trust.
Useful vocabulary
Approx. CEFR · Topic relevance
onboarding
The process of helping a new employee learn the role, meet colleagues, and adapt to the organization.
Good onboarding should include more than paperwork; it should help people feel connected.
authenticity
/ˌɔːθenˈtɪsəti/The quality of acting in a way that is true to your real values and personality.
Authenticity at work does not mean sharing every thought you have.
psychological safety
A shared belief that people can speak up or make mistakes without being embarrassed or punished.
Newcomers ask better questions when the team has psychological safety.
code-switching
Changing your language, tone, or behavior to suit different social settings or groups.
Some employees code-switch so much at work that they feel like different people at home.
rapport
/ræˈpɔːr/A friendly relationship of mutual understanding and trust.
A little humor on day one can help you build rapport quickly.
conform
/kənˈfɔːrm/To behave according to the rules or expectations of a group.
If newcomers feel pressure to conform, the team may lose fresh ideas.
Useful expressions
That depends on the context
Use it to qualify a broad claim by pointing to situational factors.
Whether you should share opinions early depends on the context, such as team culture and your role.
There's a fine line between A and B
Use it to show that two qualities are close and one can easily become the other.
There's a fine line between being friendly and oversharing with people you've just met.
To some extent, but
Use it to partly agree before adding a limitation.
To some extent, dressing smartly helps, but it can't replace real curiosity about colleagues.
I'd draw a distinction between
Use it to separate two ideas that people often treat as the same.
I'd draw a distinction between being authentic and being unfiltered.
What worries me about that view is
Use it to challenge an idea politely by naming a specific concern.
What worries me about that view is that it puts all the responsibility on the newcomer.
Question list
- Ice breaking
- Main topic
- Free talk
| Q1. | What is your favorite type of flower or plant? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | What is something you do to relax and de-stress? |
| Q3. | What did you think was cool as a kid, but isn't actually cool now? |
| Q4. | If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why? |
| Q5. | Describe a time when you overcame a significant fear. |
| Q6. | What would you do if you discovered a hidden underground city beneath your town? |
| Q7. | Imagine crafting a recipe that captures your personality. What ingredients would you use? |
| Q8. | If you could have dinner with any fictional villain, who would it be and why? |
| Q1. | How do you usually introduce yourself to new coworkers? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | What part of your personality is easiest to show at work? |
| Q3. | Would you dress differently on your first working day? |
| Q4. | When is it helpful to observe before sharing your opinions? |
| Q5. | Would you admit feeling nervous to a new colleague? |
| Q6. | What should managers do to help newcomers feel welcome? |
| Q7. | Can trying too hard to fit in cause problems? |
| Q8. | What would help you feel comfortable in a new team? |
| Q1. | What is your favorite way to spend a lazy day at home? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | What does “inner beauty” mean to you? |
| Q3. | Tell me how gratitude shows up in your day-to-day life. |
| Q4. | How do you avoid misunderstandings through text communication? |
| Q5. | What are your views on gender pay gap? |
| Q6. | Which legal reform would most effectively protect endangered species? |
| Q7. | How do you think the world's political and social climate impacts the way people perceive and experience travel? |
| Q8. | Does being born into a wealthy family make someone spoiled? |
Rules
Please be kind and respectful.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
No flirting! Don't ask for other people's social network, number etc. if he/she refuses to give them.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
Give others an equal opportunity to speak.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
Avoid Smoking / Drinking while you are talking.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
Turning your camera on is mandatory.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
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