How to Create a Good Impression in an Office

Your earliest impressions at the office are some of your most lasting impressions.

It takes less than 10 seconds for a new encounter to develop a lasting impression of you. Beginning a new job means making several first impressions all at once, then having your character and work ethic on trial for your first few months. Thus, you want to put your best foot forward as a positive, professional and productive addition to your company.

Instructions

Business

1. Dress professionally. Your attire plays a major role in making your first impression, so dress in the manner that you would like to be perceived. Dress in a way that's consistent with your office's established culture and policy, and especially avoid revealing, flashy or sloppy clothing.

2. Establish a good attendance record. Arrive early, stay the whole day, and avoid unnecessary absences during your first few months. Any late arrivals in your early days can easily become regarded as typical of your work ethic.

3. Take care of company business on company time. Limit your engagements in personal business such as emails, phone calls, text messages and online browsing -- even if your colleagues seem to feel comfortable engaging in all those activities. Even checking your phone constantly throughout the day without returning calls or messages can make you appear distracted and unproductive. If possible, keep your cell phone's ringer off during work hours, or on vibrate if you have children who may need to reach you. Be courteous of your colleagues and step outside of your work area to take urgent calls privately.

4. Ask questions when you realize you need assistance to learn the right way of doing things early, when no one expects you to have everything down pat just yet. However, pay attention and even take notes if necessary to pick up important concepts quickly; avoid asking the same question more than once.

5. Take initiative. Even if you're still too new to anticipate what to address next, asking for yourself is better than being found twiddling your thumbs while awaiting further direction. To increase your mastery in a multitude of areas early on, make a point of dabbling in a variety of tasks while it's still okay for you to be unfamiliar with some areas.

6. Make the business your business. Get to know as much as you can about the company you work for to strengthen your ability to make valuable contributions. Read the company handbook and stay abreast of any other company news or literature you can find.

Social

1. Be positive. Leave any issues you're having outside of work outside of work. Smile and greet your colleagues in the morning. Avoid complaints, sarcasm or gossip.

2. Take an interest in your coworkers. Listen to them when they talk, and make a point of learning their names quickly. Use small talk to establish rapport.

3. Participate in events and activities the company offers outside of work such as picnics, holiday parties and weekly happy hour to get to know coworkers and bosses better -- while still maintaining professionalism and putting your best foot forward.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice healthy sleeping and eating habits so you're alert, attentive, positive and at your best each day from start to finish.

References

• QuintCareers.com: Your First Days Working at a New Job: 20 Tips to Help You Make a Great Impression
• Mind Tools: Making a Great First Impression
• Abundant Life Christian Center: Making a Good Impression at Work
• J.P. Morgan: Making a Good Impression
• Business Know-How: How to Make a Strong First Impression: Seven Tips That Really Work