First impressions really are lasting impressions. Don't miss this golden opportunity to create really super ones.
You just landed a job — finally! — and you’ve got the jitters. Of course you do. It’s not easy being a newbie. All those traumatic first-day-of-school memories come flooding back. What to do? I mean, beyond working really hard?
I find it really helpful to think in terms of what not to do:
1. Don’t be late. Being late is always bad, but being late during your first week is very, very bad. It brands you. Even if you’re on time every day for the next year, that first impression of you as a tardy person may stick.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything the first day. So ask. And write down the answers.
3. Don’t talk too much. Just like at a job interview, spend more time listening than talking. People love good listeners.
4. Don’t criticize “the way things are done.” For some crazy reason, people do not love a person coming in and telling them that everything they’re doing is wrong. Be diplomatic.
5. Don’t eat lunch alone. Now is the time to get to know as many people as possible. You will learn a lot.
6. Don’t turn down offers of help. You want to impress everyone with your amazingness. You may even think you don’t need help. But if help is offered, say, “Sure, thanks.”
7. Don’t establish alliances. While you are being all gregarious and accommodating, keep in mind that sometimes the first person you meet on a new job is a person who’s looking for recruits in whatever craziness he or she has going on. Be wary of the overly friendly co-worker! It’s too early to become besties with anybody.
8. Don’t behave as if small tasks are beneath you. Every job involves a certain amount of scut work. For some reason, a lot of it seems to pop up during that first week.
9. Don’t appear to be overwhelmed, even if you are. Think about this from your employers’ point of view. They have spent time and money hiring you. They want to feel that it was effort well spent. Yes, ask questions (#2), and yes, accept help (#6), but aim at cultivating an overall air of competence and confidence. Acting “as if” often makes it true.
The bottom line? Your mom was right: First impressions really are lasting impressions. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to create really super ones.