First impressions last a lifetime. When starting a new job, you want to ensure your first impression is a positive one. Here are some tips for hitting it off with your new supervisor and colleagues and getting your workspace ready for business.
Making a Good Impression on Your Supervisor:
- Learn your supervisor’s work style. Observe your supervisor closely and listen attentively to everything they have to say. You’ll discover their communication style and notice whether it’s mostly by email or in person. You’ll see how they tend to respond to stressful situations and the manner in which they provide feedback.
- Research your employer. Supplement everything you learned during the interview process with your new inside look at the company. Go over the website, employee handbooks and company literature. You’ll be able to ask your supervisor more intelligent questions based on your research.
- Take initiative. If you complete the initial assignments you’re given, be proactive in finding constructive things to do. Volunteer for extra work. Demonstrate your willingness to pitch in with routine tasks so you can learn the ropes and free up your supervisor’s time for higher-level functions.
- Focus on performing well. Be punctual and keep your personal business to a minimum on company time. Commit yourself to doing high quality work and pay attention to details.
Building Good Relationships With Your Colleagues:
- Dress appropriately. The way people dress is one of the most fundamental indications of organizational culture. Remember how the employees looked at your interview and strive to blend in. If you have any doubts, ask about the company dress code. Even if it’s a casual workplace, you should always be well groomed.
- Ask questions. You can learn vital information from your co-workers. Ask questions about what they do and their perspectives on business priorities. Taking notes will help you digest all this new information and show people that you’re sincerely interested in what they have to say.
- Socialize. Be friendly and try to learn everyone’s name as quickly as possible. Accept invitations to lunch and after hour drinks, but avoid drinking to excess. From time to time, bring in food to share.
- Use good judgment about office politics. If you hear unflattering things about other co-workers or the company, reserve making any comments of your own. You probably don’t know all the facts. You can be cordial without getting bogged down in office gossip.
- Show your team spirit. The best way to get along with your colleagues is to be genuinely respectful and helpful. Praise others generously for their good qualities and look for opportunities to help lighten their workload.
Arranging Your Work Space:
We work 40 hour work week for 52 weeks a year (not counting overtime and minor catastrophes). That makes 2,080 hours in a typical work year. Your work experience can be even more enjoyable if you do a few things to make it function efficiently and feel like yours.
- Add personal touches. Make yourself comfortable in your new space with an attractive plant, personal photos or your favorite wall art. This will also provide conversation pieces to stimulate interaction between you and your new colleagues.
- Get organized. Spend a few moments early on with an office supply catalog to get what you need to stay organized. You may need a new daily planner or some filing bins. Before creating paper files, consider whether you really need to print out all that paper. Electronic files may be adequate and create a cleaner environment for you and the planet.
- Practice good ergonomics. Ensure your workspace is conducive to keeping you healthy and productive. You may need to adjust your chair or buy some inexpensive supports for your feet and wrists.
First Job Success
If it’s your first job, here a quick video on how you can use the first 90 days to really set yourself up for success and make a great first impression.
A new job can be challenging and exciting all at the same time. Get off on the right foot with your boss and colleagues by using common sense and designing a workspace that will serve you well.
If you want more secrets to professional success, you can:
- Subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch quick tips to help your job search or make yourself promotable.
- Join my private Successfully Ever After Facebook Group for trainings and information designed for success-seekers.
- Work with me privately. Together, we’ll craft a personal career brand that will grow with you throughout your career and set you up for a lifetime of career success. https://www.chelliephillips.com
