Recent research indicates that you only have 27 seconds to make a positive first impression. Suffice it to say, good first impressions – especially in this day and age – can be especially difficult to come by. In fact, post-Covid-19 pandemic studies indicate that social anxiety has experienced a sharp increase worldwide, making first impressions – and the drive to get to them – even harder to understand or pin down.
But when you’re entering a new workplace? Nailing that first impression can be integral to how you assimilate and experience your work. It can keep you engaged with your team and the mission of your company. It can even help you to stay driven and to innovate within the space. Here are some tips on how to make a lasting, impactful first impression at work.
1. Prepare By Prioritizing Sleep
Before you approach any type of behavior adjustments or advice about the workplace, the first thing is first: sleep. Everyone requires a very specific amount of sleep to thrive in their happy place during the day. Not getting enough sleep leaves us not only tired but can drastically impact our mood, productivity and sometimes even our body’s basic ability to function. I don’t know about you, but do you think that type of behavior makes a positive, lasting impression?
Aside from that, sleep allows the brain time to properly flush out toxins, as it helps rid the rest of the body of unnecessary stressors and contaminants as well. Getting the right amount of Z’s can actually make you feel more clear-minded heading into work. It can also help our minds bank memories and increase our learning capacity.
2. Mind The Clock
When you are meeting new people — in almost any circumstance — it makes a huge impact when you are punctual. Being punctual indicates preparedness, respect for the time and energy of those around you, and an eagerness to dive into the meeting, class, project, or what have you. It also helps you to respect your own calendar and workload, which could contribute to work-life balance.
While it’s true that it isn’t always necessary to be early or on time to varying events, you will want to continue to set those expectations as your role grows within the company. If you tend to be on the late side most days, inquire about the importance of arrival or login time for meetings. Coworkers will see that you are making a concerted effort to respect all parties involved, which could earn you major brownie points.
3. Introduce Yourself With a Firm Handshake
A firm grip has been historically used to indicate a confident personality. When meeting someone new, it is the first indicator of mood, strength, and confidence. While many people remember to prioritize the handshake during the in-person interview process, it can often be passed over once the job has been filled and the new hire is onboarding.
Remember, the first few weeks at a new job is the time when you are being introduced to a higher volume of people than what is probably considered normal for the job. (Unless you are in a high volume sales role, in which case you should keep your first impression game on lock constantly.)
4. Display Proactive Initiative
Earlier, we chatted about the importance of prioritizing sleep in the weeks and days before you begin your new job. A huge component of that is how productive it can make you. During the onboarding process, there can be a lot of new information being thrown at you. If you have the time or capacity to explore your new software on a deeper level, ask questions that you anticipate having in the near future, and just try to stay a step ahead in general, someone will probably notice.
One of the most uncomfortable aspects of onboarding new people is being unsure about their work ethic. Other team members have had the chance to get comfortable with one another and learn each other’s rhythms and work methods. Since you are new in their realm, it can feel like trying to navigate uncharted territory.
If you have ideas for how to make your work more efficient but want to make sure that you are exploring everything in a way that aligns with your new team, be sure to ask your manager. This could make it easier for you to execute company initiatives in the future. At the very least, they should be able to identify a good way to approach your colleagues. They are more aware of how the mechanics of your teamwork, and where things may need a little massaging.
5. Take Notes (To Get To Know People and Benefit Your Work)
Respect your time and the lives of your new coworkers by taking notes about them as you progress throughout your day. Their personalities, facts about their personal lives or work rhythms, and likes and dislikes could play a huge role in how you communicate with them over time. Feel free to keep your notes on paper in a notebook close by, or build them directly into your Hive Notes for easy access.
Making polite conversation and found out your teammate Jennica has three kids? Write it down. It could help you remember how to delegate work to her when she’s managing other projects in the future, plus make her feel special that you remembered that detail. Does Jim have better ideas in the hour after he’s consumed his coffee every morning? Maybe plan your next brainstorming session accordingly, and find time to compliment him on his ingenuity during that window.
There are so many things to observe and learn within your workspace. Especially during onboarding, keeping a physical notebook handy will show your superiors that you are invested in what they are saying and how they are teaching you. Keeping your awareness intact by taking notes can help you zero in on details that could really drive your work, and people will absolutely notice.
6. Stay Curious
When you start a new job – and throughout your tenure there or throughout your career – a huge nugget of advice to hang onto is to simply stay curious. Not only can it help you to engage in continued education and help expand your knowledge and skill set over the years, but it can greatly contribute to business success and growth.
Staying curious can actually reduce stress levels in times of uncertainty, reducing defensiveness and aggression toward the unknown. Make your new coworkers feel at ease by exploring your curiosity about your new role and trying to develop your work processes to benefit all parties. As questions (when appropriate), explore handbooks and keep your favorite search engine on hand as you get settled into your new work.
