Start off on the right foot.
Well, you did it. After spending several hours making your resume look perfect, filling out the tedious job application, scrolling through the internet to see if anyone leaked the interview questions, and finally acing that interview, you got the job. It’s been a long journey, but you can rest easy for a few days before jumping into the new opportunity that you’ve earned.
You’re probably wondering what you can do to start everything off on the right foot. After all, you worked hard to get this job, and don’t want to mess up your chances of building up a good rapport with your co-workers and supervisors. Take a look at these five things you can do to make a good first impression.
1. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
It’s only your first day. You will not be expected to know absolutely everything about the job on the first day, or even the first month! Little mistakes are bound to happen, but instead of being visibly worried about every small wrongdoing, take these instances as opportunities to learn and grow.
2. Smile
Smiling – and just being kind and happy in general - can really go a long way in building up a positive relationship with those you work with. No matter what field you’re working in, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’re going to be surrounded by co-workers and communicating with them quite often. If you’re constantly frowning, that’s a little off-putting and makes it look like you don’t really want to be there. Smiling will show that you’re happy to be there and willing to leave your problems at the door.
3. Take Notes
Taking notes while learning the main functions of your new job shows that you care about performing the role correctly. Writing down how to do something will both show your attention detail and actually help you learn it quicker. And you get the bonus of having a reference to look at until you get the hang of things. So it’s a win-win!
4. Show up on Time
Clocking in on time is absolutely essential. Show up to work for your entire shift. Avoid being late or absent whenever possible within your first month of employment, and if you must be late or have a prior engagement that necessitates your absence, let your employer know about it immediately.
5. Dress the Part
Not every job will require you to dress in a three-piece suit, but appropriate dress is obligatory no matter where you go, and presenting the best version of yourself on the job is sure to make a good impression. If you aren’t totally sure what to wear, then ask, or at the very least, consider what not to wear. Unless you’re working a retail job at a trendy clothing store, it’s a safe bet that you shouldn’t be wearing ripped bottoms, ever, and wearing jeans and a t-shirt in an office setting is, more often than not, going to be frowned upon. Perhaps you work in a factory that doesn’t allow graphic t-shirts. Consider not only the specific dress code for your company, but the most practical option to look presentable and still perform the necessary functions of your job.
Can you think of any more small things you can do to make a good first impression at your new job? Leave a comment below!