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New Job Jitters? Focus on First Impression

We've all been there: the first day of a new job! You get organized the night before, visit the company Web site, make sure you're familiar with important names, review your job description, set your alarm and then double-check that you set your alarm. The morning comes and, as prepared as you felt you were the night before, you suddenly realize as you walk into the building that you are not exactly sure where your desk is located. Should you check in with your boss first or locate your office and get settled? What did they say about parking again? Oh no -- here comes someone you met in the interview, but of course her name has escaped you.

These are just a few of the feelings we’ve all experienced upon starting a new job. But the “new on the job experience” goes deeper than those initial feelings of anxiety. Everyone wants to make a strong first impression, but the way we go about it varies greatly. Some might hesitate to ask questions for fear they won’t sound intelligent; others might ask too many questions and immediately get labeled "annoying." New hires might hold off on actively participating in meetings, while some jump right in.

There is definitely consensus in the business world about how to behave those first few weeks of a new job. “It’s an interesting experience to watch how different people respond as the ‘new kid on the block,'” says Harvey Nash Regional Recruitment Director, Cheryl Blumenberg. “The first day, and even weeks, can be intimidating; but the way one handles this transition time really makes a lasting impact.” While some things do seem like common sense, remember: first impressions often turn into long-term perceptions and small actions are noticed big time by colleagues and bosses. Here’s our list of suggested “new-to-the-job dos” for those who are on their first job or great reminders for seasoned veterans:

• Be a self-starter; take initiative. Rather than taking the first few days or weeks in stride, establish yourself as attentive and assertive. “Our clients tell us there’s nothing worse than a new hire who sits around waiting for direction,” says Blumenberg. “Rather, the best new hires are those who take the bull by the horns, find out the information they need to get a project started and run with it.” It’s common practice to have several small projects at the start to get your feet wet. As you finish those and feel ready to take on larger assignments, take the initiative and ask to increase your workload. Also, offer to help others complete their projects. You might learn something along the way, and your efforts will be appreciated by colleagues.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. No one expects you to know all the answers on the first day. If you are unsure of the direction of a project or need clarification, ask. As shared in “Your First Days Working at a New Job: 20 Tips to Help You Make a Great Impression,” it’s better to ask the questions before you finish a task the wrong way and find you have to start from scratch. Avoid the natural tendency to feel somewhat competitive or intimidated to ask questions; rather, listen and ask appropriate questions to make sure you’re on the right track.
  
  
• Learn the lay of the land. Come in either before work or stay after to figure out where the fax machine is located and how it works, where the paper supply is stored, how to refill the coffee machine. The same is true for learning who to ask for what. The newcomer who asks his or her boss how to fix the fax machine each time it breaks or where the paper supply is located is quickly going to deplete their new boss’ patience. Take time to find the person who is best to ask questions pertaining to the ins and outs of office operations.
  
  
• Become familiar with the culture of the company. Get to know how the employees in your new company interact; what are their personalities like? Are they outgoing and social, or do they keep to themselves? Is the dress formal or business casual? Fitting into a company’s culture can make or break your success, so make sure you understand the culture even before you begin the job.
  
  
• Think of questions to break awkward silence. Think of two or three generic, yet useful questions for those times when you have an awkward silence. The author of “Asking the Right Questions When You’re New on the Job,” suggests questions like: “How did you come to work here?”, “How long have you been here?”, or “What are you working on right now?” Not only will these questions break the silence, but they’ll help you get to know colleagues and become more familiar with who does what.
  
  
• Listen more than talk. As shared in, “Your First Days Working at a New Job: 20 Tips to Help You Make a Great Impression,” the last thing you want to do is to become coined a “know-it-all.” There’s a fine line between wanting to make a knowledgeable impression and coming off as someone who just wants to be in the lime light and thinks they know everything.
  
  
• Establish a solid work schedule. Be on time, come in early, stay late. There’s nothing that can taint your reputation more than routinely coming in late to work or leaving early. Get in the habit of being 15 minutes early and avoid being ready to walk out the door right at 5 p.m.

Being the new employee fades before you know it. As you move through the days, weeks and even months of your new job, remember that you’re laying the groundwork each day for your bigger career strategy. Be sure your actions match your long-term goals; make a strong first impression; ask appropriate questions and begin to establish your value from day one.