How to be more professional at work and make a good impression
By William Rodriguez
15 First Day on the Job Tips
It’s human nature for new co-workers and colleagues to form perceptions about the “type” of person you are based on initial impressions. These snap judgments can turn into long-term perceptions that may impact your career trajectory, and ultimately success, at an organization. That’s good news for people who make a positive impression. But if you make a negative first impression, it could haunt you — and your career — for a long time. This article explores 15 first day on the job tips.
1. Arrive early, stay late
A punctual arrival shows that you are organized, value your work, and are considerate of your co-workers’ time.
In addition, be aware of the company culture as it relates to the workday. When do people typically leave? Even if the workday is advertised as 9 to 5, leaving at 5 won’t score you any points if everyone else is staying until 6.
Follow the lead of your colleagues in the beginning. Once you are secure in your position you may be able to ask for more flexibility.
2. Dress the part
Whether you like it or not, people will judge you on how you look. In most situations, work is not the place to show off your Goth leanings or your love for all things hippy.To convey a message of reliable, organized, trustworthy, and efficient, dress professionally. If your work dress code is more relaxed, you can relax yours as well, but do so after people have gotten to know you.
3. Show up with a positive attitude
Be pleasant, enthusiastic, and friendly with everyone you come in contact with. Tackle all duties with eagerness, and never, ever complain about a particular duty, your job in general, or your co-workers or colleagues.
Being positive is one of the best ways to make a lasting first impression.
4. Ask for help
It’s tempting to want to prove your competence the first days on the job. But no matter how skilled and knowledgeable you are, you won’t have all the answers.
Rather than complete a job incorrectly, ask your co-workers and colleagues for help when you need it. No one expects you to know everything, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
5. Take initiative
It’s common to feel overlooked or as if you’re not really needed as it’s figured out where you fit in. Once you’ve completed certain duties, don’t hide in your cubicle until someone tells you what to do next.
Instead, seek out your boss, tell him or her you’ve completed the assigned task, and ask what you can do next. When extra duties come up and you don’t have a full plate, raise your hand and volunteer to do them.
6. Check your personal life at the door
Sharing that you’re in debt up to your ears may cause others to view you as irresponsible, disorganized, or careless — qualities that aren’t appreciated in the workplace.
Keep your personal problems to yourself, and avoid using company time to solve them.
7. Socialize with your co-workers
Does your workplace have a softball team, a cooking club, or simply a group of people who go out for drinks every Tuesday night? Be sure to join them.
Not only does this build rapport and solidify relationships, it also shows that you’re a team player.
8. Avoid office politics and gossip
Stay far away from the rumor mill, and avoid associating with people who are powering it.
Talking trash or spreading rumors is considered negative behavior that has a divisive effect on the workplace.
9. Stay out of the limelight
It’s very tempting to highlight what you know the first few days on the job. After all, you want co-workers to know how qualified and competent you are.
But constantly putting yourself in the spotlight will give you nothing but an unflattering rep as a “know-it-all.” Instead, listen to others, be open-minded about their suggestions and approaches, and share your knowledge without forcing it on others.
10. Say “thank you” often
You’ll likely enjoy a success or two (even if they’re small) your first few days on the job. When you do, be sure to share credit with those who helped you.
Make it your policy to thank those who answer your questions, pitch in their time, or otherwise make your job easier.
11. Own up to your mistakes
Just like you’re likely to enjoy successes, you’ll also make a few mistakes your first few days on the job.
When you do, own up to them, and develop a plan to fix them. Never point fingers or blame your mistakes on others.
12. Be organized
The first few days on the job can feel like landing in a foreign country, as most organizations have their own unique rhythms.
Develop a system to keep track of meetings, projects, and deadlines. Missing an important deadline or failing to show up to a critical meeting will label you unreliable, undisciplined, and inefficient.
13. Have lunch with different people
Instead of waiting for them to invite you, invite your co-workers to lunch.
Lunching with colleagues will help you build a rapport with them, and will also put you on the fast track toward understanding company culture.
14. Get to know the company
Don’t stop researching once you’ve landed the position!
Read all possible literature provided by the company, keep up with what’s happening in the news with the company and their competitors, and keep track of their social media efforts through sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.
15. Celebrate the positive first impression you’ve made
Be confident in all the steps you have taken to show co-workers and colleagues who you really are. When you appear confident you appear successful, and that’s key to making a great first impression!
A great first impression can lead to career success
A great first impression can open doors, while a poor one can slam them shut.
By following the tips in this article, you’ll increase your chances of making a positive first impression — the kind that can have a long-lasting impact on your career and success.
Never underestimate how important it is to make a good impression at work. When your boss and colleagues realize they can rely on you to do a great job, then you’ll likely begin to receive greater responsibility. That, in turn, can lead to promotions and raises.
Use Proper Workplace Etiquette
Using proper office etiquette will help you make a good impression on your boss. It may sound simple until you realize that many people forget their manners.
For example, if you’re allowed to use a mobile phone at work, make sure it isn’t a distraction for you or anyone else. There’s also a big difference between personal and professional emails. Know the basics of email etiquette in the workplace.
In addition, when dining out with your boss, coworkers, or clients, you must be on your best behavior.
Face up to Your Mistakes
If you haven’t already, you will at some point make a mistake at work. It may even be a big one. It happens to everyone. How you handle the blunder will influence your manager’s opinion of you much more than the mistake itself.
The first thing you should do is admit what happened. Don’t ignore your error or try to place the blame on anyone else. Instead, take full responsibility and then come up with a way to fix your mistake. Even though your boss may be upset you made an error in the first place, he or she will at least recognize that you did all the right things when responding to it.
Call in Sick to Work When You Should
Do you think coming to work when you’re sick instead of staying at home will impress your boss? You’re wrong. Reasonable bosses know that sick employees are not only unproductive, but they can also spread germs around the office. What good will it do anyone if an entire staff has to take a sick day?
If you have a fever or think your illness might be contagious, then take the day off. You can catch up on your workload when you return to work, or if you’re feeling up to it, get some done from home if your employer allows it.
Come Through in a Crisis
When an unexpected crisis happens at work—the caterer skips town before a big conference your company is hosting or a computer crashes—who will make a better impression on the boss: the employer who panics or the one who springs into action to fix the problem? Learn how to deal with workplace crises quickly and effectively.
One way to do this is to imagine different scenarios and come up with plans to react to each one. Then, if the unexpected ever happens, you’ll be fully prepared to deal with it.
Avoid Controversial Topics
Bosses tend to like it when their workplaces are calm. Who can blame them? When employees work together harmoniously, they can focus on their jobs.
Avoid starting conversations about topics that make people uncomfortable and could even lead to arguments. Steer clear of talking about politics or religion, for instance.
Dress Appropriately
Always follow your organization’s dress code. Most companies no longer require employees to wear suits to work, but it’s still essential to have a neat and clean appearance.
If you’re allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts, make sure they’re in good condition. Your shoes should be in good shape as well. You usually can’t go wrong if you follow your boss’s lead when choosing your work attire.
Respect Your Coworkers
When coworkers respect one another they usually get along better—and few things are more important to a boss than that. No one wants their employees fighting.
Always avoid acting in an uncivil manner toward any of your coworkers. Be on time to work, especially if you are relieving someone from their shift. Don’t ever take credit for another person’s work. Always share the workload. Apologize if you ever manage to offend your coworker.
Represent Your Company Well at Conferences and Meetings
When you attend a conference or large business meeting on your employer’s behalf, it’s your job to make a good impression. It will reflect well on your organization, and your boss will appreciate your efforts.
Dress appropriately and network with other attendees. Make sure to bring back information to share with your boss and coworkers if they could not attend the meeting.
