The saying goes, “the first impression is the last impression!” And a first impression is indeed crucial, and especially in a new workplace. Your resume made a strong first impression on the employer, causing them to contact you for an interview. The personal interview stands as the second ‘first impression,’ with the skills and knowledge convincing the employer to hire you. The third “first impression” stands as the first day at work!
Do you wish to create a great first impression on your first working day? Take a look at these helpful hints. Avoid the mistakes that are commonly associated with the start of a new job.
Keep a Positive Attitude
A positive attitude is the best thing! Concentrate on exuding excitement and energy at work, as the new professional opportunity will undoubtedly make a positive impression on the organization.
Dress Professionally
Good dressing sense and professionalism in the workplace also contribute to a good first impression. Never underestimate the importance of appropriate attire on the first day of work. The way an employee dresses for the workplace can have great impact on the first impression. One can dress three ways professionally: business professional, business casual, and casual. The dress code differs from one workplace to the next.
When you’re Stuck, Seek Help
No one in a company expects a newcomer to know everything. As such, the company will definitely be willing to assist the new joinee to get a hold on things and the responsibilities in the first few days. If you are stuck on anything, look for help and ask questions. Always remember that it is preferable to seek clarification and guidance before devoting time to completing a task incorrectly. Talk with colleagues about tasks, the completion process and also seek guidance from supervisors/managers.
Make Notes and Attend your Orientation
Always take notes on the first day of work, learn the new office’s system and rules, and attend orientation sessions. Orientation sessions will greatly assist you in understanding the fundamentals of your responsibilities and the workplace. Attend all training sessions that are assigned to you. It will be of great help in the new work and your participation in the same will also show your interest in the new role.
Explore the New Employer/Organization
A new joinee should always do their homework before an interview. But let’s face it! No one can understand everything about the company in a single day. In the first few working days, explore about the company, office, and colleagues. Grab the employee handbook, go through office reports, and update your office knowledge.
Avoid Office Gossip and Politics
A workplace can and almost always will be full of gossip! You should stay away from any form of gossip and never indulge in any chatter! Not only on the first working day, but on any day. Gluttony and any form of rumours will never help to create a good first impression.
Keep Personal Business to a Minimum
Studies show that everyone in the office spends at least some time on personal business, such as checking emails, making reservations, texting, taking calls, or shopping online. The aim on the first working day should be to keep personal work to a minimum and be focused on the office work. If you have to take a phone call, make sure to step away from the desk.
Listen More, Talk Less
Cover your first working day with 90% listening and 10% talking. Too much chatter or talk will mark you as an office know-it-all. Surely you don’t want that! Contribute to the work, but spend more time listening and absorbing than talking in the first few days.
Demonstrate your Appreciation
Appreciation is always appropriate, and expressing gratitude to someone who assists you with a task is especially appropriate. It is good to express gratitude at your workplace for any assistance offered by colleagues. Always express gratitude to anyone who assists you in learning the job during your first few days on the job.
The first day of work is both challenging and exciting. Make sure you don’t come to office stressed. Spend the day communicating, and finishing the assigned tasks. These will assist you in making a positive and lasting impression at work.
