Creating a Positive First Impression on Your Co-Workers

Do you ever wish for another chance to make a first impression? Yeah, most of us want to take back at least one goofy introduction. Regrettably, it doesn’t work that way. You never get another chance. This is not something you can reverse.

Some people say be yourself while others know you can’t bring that person to work with you... if you want to keep your job, that is. To make a good first impression, you need to put on your professional attitude and outfits.

Since you’re just starting a new job, you don’t want to be pushy, but at some point, you will meet each one of your co-workers for the first time. In reality, you will need to develop a strong business relationship with one of them in the future. Until then, let’s look at ways to create positive first impressions in the workplace.

What are you wearing?

Dress the part if you want to fit in, still, some people will stand out because they exude self-confidence along with having superior mix and matching fashion skills. If you wear a new outfit on your first day, don’t wait until then to wear it. Get comfortable in it days ahead of time. What you wear should show your reliable and efficient personality even if the dress code is casual.

Be early to work

You should already know when and where to show up for work. What you don’t want to do is show up late or drift the hallways trying to figure it out. Being late for your first day won’t go over well with most employers even if you are in the building. You may need to dedicate much of your day in human resources filling out mountains of paperwork and attending orientation. If this is the case, be sure to take notes so you don’t forget important dates or instructions.

Keep your personal life personal

Although you’re an easy-going person, there’s no need to mention your poly relationship. Here's why: first, not everyone who grins in your face is your friend. Second, you just met this person, so you are not friends. Third, you may cause the co-worker to look at you with wide eyes and raised eyebrows (picture the emoji). It also wouldn’t look good if word of this got back to your supervisor, so zip it.

Body language

According to reliable studies on first impressions, eye contact is extremely important. When you’re shaking hands, remember to shake with a slight grip. As people introduce you to co-workers, look them in the eyes and smile. Put on your best face and keep a positive attitude even when others may not be receptive or welcoming.

Be silent

Employers rarely allow personal phone calls during working hours, so keep your phone on silent. Give emergency contacts your supervisor’s number in case someone needs to reach you and vice versa. This is obvious, but still worth a mention... browsing social media is not an acceptable use of the company’s computer. Stay focused on your job and make calls and posts on your break or after work.

Mind your business

As you learn your position, you may find some things that just don’t go together. Well, ask yourself how long have they been doing it this way and does it work? If the answer is “for years” and “yes,” respectively, then don’t fix it. Volunteering solutions too soon to old problems may send the wrong signals to your co-workers.

In addition, don’t gossip or give in to spreading rumors. Finally, there may be a time when everyone is busy with their duties to help you or even assign you a task, take the initiative to do something on your own.

The first week may be difficult, but you’ll make a great first impression. Soon, you’ll be approaching the end of your probationary period and laughing with your co-workers about how you went on a wild goose chase in search of an item that doesn’t exist.