How to Make a Good First Impression at Work
You've landed a great new job, congratulations! Your first few days and weeks with the new company can determine how the rest of your job goes. Good first impressions from your coworkers and your new boss make fitting in to your new company much easier. The most important skills to use aren't necessarily the ones you listed on your resume. You must listen and observe.
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Instructions
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Mind your manners and have a positive attitude to make the best first impression at the new job. Proper etiquette on the job matters more than ever before. For example, telling questionable jokes, wearing inappropriate attire and invading others' personal space can get you off on the wrong foot very quickly.
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Listen more than talk. Touting your skills got you the job, but spend your first few weeks listening and learning about your coworkers and the new company. New employees who come in looking to change the world give the impression they're not team players and get shot down quickly.
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Move slowly when making new friends and contacts at your new job. When you come on too strong, you look like you're trying too hard which can put your new coworkers off. Focus on the team and ask questions. Learn names quickly and take notes to make a good, lasting impression.
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To make a good first impression, skip office gossip. Though it's tempting to get the inside scoop on who's doing what to whom, keep neutral. Stay clear of your new job's office gossiper or your ability to maintain confidences will be in question. Keep an ear to the ground (or to the grapevine) but don't contribute to the rumor mill.
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The old adage is still the best advice when it comes to your new job, "under promise and over deliver." Falling through on commitments, especially early in the game, can cost you dearly. It's tempting to jump on every project on your new job and show off your skills, but pace yourself so that you can deliver everything you promise and more. Big ideas will serve you better when you've been at your new job longer.
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Making a good first impression requires that you learn everything you can about your new company's mission, history, activities and culture. The more you know, the easier it is to start contributing and become part of the team. Find a mentor who can show you the ropes and give you additional insight into your new job and company.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask for help. It's common to want to jump right in to the deep end, but if you can't swim, you're not doing anyone any favors. Let your boss know how you're doing and what questions you have.
Don't miss the after-hours activities. You can learn more from one after-work happy hour than a month behind your desk. Just don't forget that first step, "mind your manners."
