» How to Make a Good
Impression on Your First Day on the Job
Your first
day at a new job is a little like your first day of school — full
of anticipation and excitement. And although you probably
no longer worry that the other
kids will make fun of your lunchbox, you may be wondering
how to make a good impression. Your initial weeks in a
new position can significantly impact how you are evaluated
in the future. Here are some strategies to help you start
off on the right foot:
Take a break. A week of vacation
time between the day you accept a job offer and the day you
actually begin can
help you relax, unwind and clear your head. If a week is
not feasible, then at least ensure that you have a restful
weekend and a good night’s sleep before your first
day. Feeling refreshed and in control will help you start
your new job at your personal best.
Assess the company culture. Spend at least two weeks studying
the culture at your company. On day one, arrive thirty
minutes early and stay half an hour late, noting how
many employees do the same. Is taking projects home typical?
Do co-workers generally prefer to communicate by e-mail,
voice mails or face-to-face conversations? How strictly
is the dress code observed? When and for how long do
people go to lunch? Pay attention to unwritten company
rules, and adopt them as your own.
Clarify expectations.
It’s important to be on the
same page as your boss, so within your first couple of
days, meet with him/her to discuss the responsibilities
and overall purpose of your position. Here are some questions
you may want to ask:
• What is the mission of the company, and how do
my department and job fit in? (You’ll want to confirm
your understanding of these points since you should already
have a general idea of the answers before you walk into
the interview.)
• What are the immediate priorities
and issues that need to be addressed?
• How often,
and in what form should I provide project updates?
• How
will my performance be evaluated?
Meeting with your boss can also provide you with some
information about his/her personality and work style, helping
you to design your interactions to his/her preferences.
You may also want to ask for feedback three or four weeks
into the position to make sure that you are on the right
track.
Follow the leader. In your first
few weeks, make an effort to identify the companies star
employees. You might flip
through some old issues of company newsletters. Top performers
can be recognized by their well-known records of success — they
are the most innovative, dynamic and motivated workers.
These are the people you want to emulate.
Be a team player. Get to know your fellow employees and
their roles, but avoid excessive chattiness. Ask coworkers
for their ideas or suggestions on projects to open the
lines of communication and establish you as part of their
team. Avoid comparing your new situation to your old workplace;
staff members may start to think that you preferred your
old job.
Don’t rock the boat. Even
if you think your department needs to undergo major changes,
wait until you’ve
established a credible reputation and rapport with your
colleagues before you initiate an overhaul. The support
of your fellow employees is critical to your success, and
if you alienate them by pushing for miracles overnight,
your agenda may suffer.
Your salary is a secret.
Though you may be dying to know, it’s considered
unprofessional to ask what others are paid or inform them
of your level of compensation.
In general, only your supervisor and human resources personnel
need to know this information.
Be flexible.
Expect — and embrace — the inevitable
challenges of your position. Your new company will certainly
not be exactly like your old, so be adaptable. A smaller
company may expect you to accomplish more, with less assistance,
than your previous firm. Whatever the challenge, a flexible
attitude will make your transition less stressful.
Keep your guard up.
It’s a good idea to keep yourself
mentally prepared for the possibility that the job may
not work out. Remain in touch with recruiters and continue
networking activities. A few weeks after your start date,
send a short note to everyone you approached during your
job search, thanking them for their help.
A credible reputation and the support of your coworkers
are crucial for your long-term success at your new job.
By following the strategies discussed above, you’ll
make a great first impressions that can kickoff a flourishing
career.
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