To make a great first impression at work, you must pay attention to factors such as punctuality, appearance, body language, and overall behavior that can affect communication and collaboration with colleagues.
Knowing how to make a great first impression at work is very important because people tend to form impressions quickly, and once they do, it is hard to change their initial judgments. However, this may be challenging, as many people struggle to stay focused and anxiety-free on their first day at work.
If you are one of those people, worry not—our guide is here to help. We share the best tips for making a great first impression at a job, discuss the do’s and don’ts, and explain why you should know all this.
Key Takeaways
- Learning how to give a good impression on your day at work helps you pave the way for a bright near and distant future at a job.
- Focusing on your looks and actions, such as clothing, grooming, body language, and overall approach, will improve your first job day.
- Minding punctuality, company rules, and policies regarding your responsibilities and rights can lead to a pleasant work debut.
- Being inquisitive about your tasks, asking for mentorship, and getting involved in various working activities are essential for portraying yourself as a good company asset on your first day at work.
Why is it Important to Make a Great First Impression?
Making a great first impression is important because your first job day sets the tone and foundation for your future. Specifically, on your first day of work, you will learn the most essential and fundamental things, such as who your colleagues are, the office space and parts of it that you will use, etc.
You will feel more appreciated and motivated if you get a good first impression of your colleagues and the job. Just as you get acquainted with everything mentioned above, most people (if not everyone) at your workplace will see you for the first time and try to evaluate you.
Therefore, if your new colleagues like you at first, they will likely respect you and collaborate with you more actively and closely. This will also give you more flexibility when it comes to social human traits we try to avoid, such as being late and making mistakes, as a good first impression will make your colleagues give you the benefit of the doubt on such occasions.
Lastly, you may spend a lot of time job hunting and finding the desired job. In that case, you will probably do your best to keep that job and advance in your career by ensuring you do brilliantly on your first day.
10 Expert Tips on How to Make a Great First Impression at Work
Once you accept a job offer and agree upon the start date, your main focus will automatically shift to your first day at work.
That said, let’s check the ten expert tips on how to make a great first impression at work:
#1. Arrive Early
One of the good first impression examples is to arrive at work early. Being late for work is terrible, especially on your first day. Still, showing up early will also significantly impact your coworkers, especially those you will report to.
To be punctual, we advise you to plan your commute first. If you live in a big city, inform yourself about the public transport timetable or the shortest route you can take using your car or other vehicles. Additionally, we recommend leaving extra time for unpredictable traffic jams or delays.
Finally, we suggest you plan the first part of your day. This will allow you to estimate the time you need to get ready for work. It is always a good idea to set your alarm earlier than usual, as this can give you a head start. You may end up at work early, and the positive thing about it is that you can grab a coffee or have a snack before you start your day.
#2. Be Mindful of Your Outfit
Your outfit has a direct first-impression influence as its visual nature may catch the eye of your colleagues first. To dress appropriately, check out a company’s dress code first. You will probably need to wear a suit if you are in a law firm.
Consider wearing a nice dress or shirt if you work in a more casual environment. The goal is to look professional, regardless of the job or the job-related occasion (e.g., job fairs).
Another important element is never to underdress. Instead, it is better to overdress, as this will not have a negative impact. Observing what other people wear allows you to adapt to a company’s formal and informal dress code.
#3. Pay Attention to Your Body Language
Body language reveals what our words don’t—anxiety, fear, fatigue, confidence, strength, etc. This is why you should avoid hunchback posture while you sit or walk or any other poise revealing that you may be uncomfortable.
As this is easier said than done, a great advice is to practice power posing, which implies assuming a posture you feel powerful and comfortable in and holding it for an extended period.
If you do not know how you look to others or what impression you make, you can record yourself before your first day at work. This simple method will reveal whether you need to work on your body language and how to do so.
#4. Be Friendly and Kind
Friendliness and kindness will help you get to know your colleagues better. If you smile, have a positive approach, and ask colleagues questions about themselves, your coworkers will get the impression that you are genuinely interested in them.
This will further increase the positive energy in your work environment and bring the collaboration to a higher level. Even if the job you just started is stressful, maintaining a positive attitude will show employers you have essential communication skills and know your way around the workplace.
#5. Take Initiative
Another helpful tip on making a great first impression at work is to be enthusiastic about new projects. You are likely excited about starting your new job, and all you need to do is show that.
First, you can get familiar with the basic concepts your colleagues introduce you to, as no one expects you to show leadership skills right away. Then, you can take the initiative and start asking additional questions about the job and demand more work.
Moreover, if a coworker asks for help, accept it while considering your contribution to the project and your workload.
#6. Introduce Yourself to Your Coworkers
Introductions are standard procedures for newbies. Your manager will probably ask you to introduce yourself to your team. If not, we recommend taking a small tour and introducing yourself to as many colleagues as possible.
Preparing an elevator pitch may be a great idea, as it is concise and practical. It is also a nice way to make a good impression at a new job. Before formal introductions, you should say hi to colleagues you meet at the office (e.g., in the kitchen or before a meeting) and try to make small talk.
#7. Ask Questions and Show Genuine Interest
Going through an onboarding process is usually insufficient to learn everything about your new job. You may be overwhelmed with too much information, and your colleagues may unintentionally leave out something important.
Therefore, you should show genuine interest and ask questions about anything unclear or anything you want to know more about. Asking for clarifications and taking notes does not mean you’re a slow learner—on the contrary, it will show your coworkers that you are dedicated to learning and improving.
You can even ask an experienced coworker to be your mentor, which can speed up your learning pace and strengthen your relationship with that colleague.
#8. Forget About Gossiping
Having a proper interaction style with colleagues helps leave a great first impression. Different company rules may require you to use formal or casual language, but you should surely stick to one piece of advice—forget about gossiping.
The reasons for this are obvious— gossiping on your first day, or gossiping in general, leaves a bad impression as it may suggest that you are biased, have stereotypes, and even have problems with attitude. Furthermore, gossiping can bear consequences such as social exclusion and distract you from genuine work priorities (e.g., improving your technical skills).
Talking behind someone’s back usually impacts career advancement due to a bad reputation. Even if you have to deal with a difficult coworker, it is always best to avoid making cynical comments or talking rudely about them with colleagues.
#9. Do Your Homework
Learn about the company’s policies, culture, regulations, and all the other similar stuff directly related to you. This way, you will know how things work, what to expect, and how to behave and approach everyone and everything on your first day.
In addition, you can take time to go through the job contracts and other papers in the company’s portfolio. For instance, you may examine your employee benefits, tax forms, and contact information. Another suggestion on making a great first impression at work is to take such documents with you before or after signing, and do your homework much earlier before your debut at a job.
#10. Say Goodbye When Leaving
The final tip on making the best first impression at work is to say goodbye upon leaving. This is especially true if your first day is shorter and you leave before everyone else. You can thank your manager, mentor, and coworkers for providing all the information and being supportive.
You may also ask your manager for feedback, as this will help you learn how your first day at work went and what you may need to improve for the upcoming days. This type of feedback also builds up your general professional experience, which you can use at any other job.
Final Thoughts
Following advice on making a great first impression at work is essential for the days to come at your job. Humans quickly form first impressions, which rarely change later.
So, paying attention to your overall appearance, including what you wear, how you behave, and your body language, can make things easier. Also, research your role before your first day, and ensure that you arrive early, show interest in your job, and bid farewell once the day is over.
How to Make a Great First Impression at Work FAQ
#1. How do you make a powerful first impression at work?
To make a powerful first impression at work, you must focus on your behavior and appearance, including body language, dressing up, and interaction with coworkers. Plus, showing up early, studying your responsibilities, and showing genuine interest in your role by asking questions about various work-related stuff is essential.
#2. How to make a good first impression as a manager?
To make a good first impression as a manager, you should introduce yourself to everyone, identify the focal points of your tasks and responsibilities, and try to be observant to get on the same level as your colleagues. Also, you can set up one-on-one meetings with your coworkers and report directly to them, sharing information such as new ideas and working styles.
#3. How important are first impressions in the workplace?
First impressions in the workplace are very important because they create the foundation for future cooperation. Good first impressions build trust and enhance cooperation, whereas bad impressions usually point to low career opportunities, stagnation, and even regression.
