Several Ways to Leave a Lasting Impression at a New Job

Once interviews and salary negotiations are over and you've accepted the job offer, it's easy to believe that the most stressful steps in your job search are over. Although you have overcome some challenges, you are not out of the woods yet. In your first few weeks in your new role, you will lay the foundation - and build relationships - that will prove beneficial to your future success and happiness within the organization. Below are several ways you can make a great impression.

1. Arrive early, Leave late: To show your enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to learn, aim to arrive a little early and stay a little late during the first few weeks on the job. You want to be neither the last to arrive nor the first to leave each evening. Make sure to take note of the company culture and follow the lead of your co-workers in terms of when they arrive and leave for the day.


2. Dress Appropriately: First impressions matter and it's not a good idea to be seen as someone who doesn't follow the rules. 80% of managers believe that clothing choices affect an employee's chances of promotion. It is important to adhere to the company dress code policy from your first day on the job, even when working remotely.


3. Be Friendly and Positive: Most new jobs involve building relationships. It is important to focus on making a good first impression with your co-workers and team, as they may not have had the opportunity to meet you during the interview process. Introduce yourself to your new colleagues in a positive way, smiling and looking for ways to connect with them.


4. Avoid Negativity: When you start a new job, you want to avoid anything that would make you look bad or cause others to dislike you. Gossip, drama, and office politics can be destructive and counterproductive. Instead, focus on building positive relationships and working towards common goals.


5. Listen and Observe: During your first few weeks at your new company, take the time to learn about the corporate culture. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect on a day-to-day basis. It's important to listen and observe before making process change recommendations, so that you don't come across as a know-it-all. LinkedIn found that nearly one-third of people make the mistake of acting like they know everything during the first few months of a new job. Additionally, 17 percent of people try to push their own ideas before they fully understand the role. If you want to be persuasive, start by listening more than you talk. Don't try to change things before you really understand how they work.


6. Ask for Help: The pressure to prove oneself in a new job can lead some workers to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. When you join a new organization, there will always be a learning curve, even if you are extremely knowledgeable in the job tasks and skills. When starting a new job, it's crucial to ask questions and clarify expectations. Unfortunately, 21 percent of people fail to do this in the first 90 days. By taking the time to ask questions and get a clear understanding of what's expected of you, you can set yourself up for success in your new role. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you are willing to learn and are open to new ideas. Asking for help is a great way to make a good first impression.


7. Be a Team Player: Your co-workers have been working together to complete the tasks required of your position while the company was going through the hiring process. Since you're now part of the team, see how you can help lighten the load for your teammates while you're getting acclimated to your new role. The most important thing is to focus on what needs to be done and how you can help. By doing this, you will be able to make the most positive impact.

Being new can be both challenging and exciting, providing an opportunity to learn and grow. You should focus your initial efforts on making a good impression and learning about the company culture, so that you can successfully navigate expectations. To make a good first impression and ensure your success, be positive, exude confidence, and ask for help if you need it.