First days on the job are always so nerve-wracking. There is so much to think about! You must plan what to wear, what to bring, how to act, the list goes on and on! First impressions are always important, so how do you make a good one? What do you wear to fit in well? What do you say? I am sure these questions all run through your head when it starts getting closer to your first day. Trust me, we have all been there. Walking into a job as the “new hire” is so painfully gut-wrenching. You must create new bonds and connections with your colleagues and show your new boss your skills. We have some tips to allow you to stand out amongst the crowd, but not be overconfident. Here is how to make an impact on your first day.
Arrive early
You should never be late to work on your first day. You should plan to leave your house earlier than you need to avoid any issues! Sometimes, traffic can be unpredictable, or if you are stopping for breakfast the lines can be long. Who knows, maybe you’ll struggle to find a parking spot, or get lost in the building. The last thing you need to be on your first day of work is flustered. Arriving early will eliminate a lot of the first-day jitters.
Wear appropriate attire
People gain an impression of you within seconds of meeting you. What you wear can be the first thing they notice. You should be dressed appropriately for the position, but always wear something you feel comfortable in. You should have your hair done neatly, and don’t overdo it with makeup (if applicable)! Make sure you look in the dress code to see what is considered appropriate, and always bring a sweater just in case it gets chilly!
Practice your introduction
This sounds a little silly, we know. But trust us, intros are so important when it comes to making a first impression! Check out this blog by Franklin Professional Associates founder, Melissa Glenny, on the most embarrassing introduction of her life, Overcoming Fear in Networking, and what she learned from it. The best recipe for success is direct eye contact, a smile, and a firm handshake. Introductions usually lead to some small talk, so confidence is key. Preparing yourself to answer some questions is always a good idea. Many people want to know more about you, so think ahead on what information to tell them, but always stay true to yourself!
Remember your coworkers’ names
People love when others remember their names. If you can find a way to learn your coworkers’ names, it will make you more memorable. You should repeat their name back to them after the introduction “Nice to meet you, Lisa, I’m ____”, and end the conversation mentioning their name as well “It was great talking with you, Lisa”. It is proven that repeating someone’s name can help you remember. Another fun way to meet someone’s name is to associate their name with something else. For example, if Carrie works at the corner desk, you can remember her as “Carrie from the corner desk”.
Ask questions
As the “rookie” you have a lot of new things to learn. So, make sure you ask all the questions you need to ask to be successful with the company. Asking questions always shows that you are engaged and thinking about how to complete a task. Employers like when new hires ask questions, so they can show you the ropes, and best practices.
First days are usually filled with different emotions; excitement, fear, anticipation. However, whatever you may be feeling; choose confidence. Be friendly, make some new friends, find a mentor with the company. This is your new place of employment, and many people spend 40 hours a week at work, so make sure you make yourself comfortable there.
