The tone you set on your first day at a new job can leave a lasting impression. Do you carry yourself with poise, professionalism, approachability, and kindness? That first day of a new job can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and just plain stressful! All of that can make you feel a little off your game, so you end up not showing the best side to yourself but instead come across as unapproachable, timid, and frazzled. In today’s blog, we’ll give some suggestions for ways to help you make a great first impression.
Show Up on Time
On your first day, it’s important you arrive early at the office building so you can show up a few minutes before you are supposed to start work that day. Leave from home well in advance to account for any unforeseen traffic, and if you have time, do some stress-reducing breathing techniques in your car before you head in for the day.
Dress to Impress
Ahead of your first day, find out what the dress code for the office is, and wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable while fitting in appropriately with the company’s dress code. Perhaps even buy a new shirt or entire outfit if it seems appropriate for your situation. It can go a long way in helping you feel your best.
Get to Know Your New Co-workers
Try to spend part of your first day introducing yourself to your new co-workers. In an article on Forbes, they write, “Starting a new job is more than just giving a fancy elevator pitch; it’s about making meaningful connections with your team from day one. Considering we dedicate a third of our lives to work, getting along with people you will be around daily is crucial. Good relationships don’t just make work more fun; they also make it easier to collaborate and get stuff done. To learn more about your new colleagues, initiate conversations by dropping some icebreaker questions and paying attention to what they have to say. Your coworkers are an essential support system from onboarding onwards, so show them you’re keen to connect.”
Have an Elevator Pitch
One way to calm your nerves is to plan ahead on how you will present yourself to your new team and others in your workplace. Having a short “elevator pitch” is a great way to accomplish this. In an article on Indeed, they write, “To help your new coworkers get to know you, prepare an elevator pitch beforehand. An elevator pitch is a quick, 30 to 60 second summary about yourself. Explain your work history and what you’ll be doing in your new position. You may also want to talk about why you decided to change jobs to join this new company. This elevator pitch helps coworkers understand you better so you can start to build a professional relationship.”
Pay Attention to Your Body Language
Apart from what you say, how you say things and the way you physically hold yourself are also important. In an article in Harvard Business Review they write, “When meeting someone new, it’s normal to be nervous but you don’t want your anxiety to show. Your body language should be “confident and comfortable,” says Clark. That advice is easier preached than executed, of course, so Clark suggests, “using the methodology of power posing [before the meeting] to tamp down your cortisol levels.” Take long strides. Sit up straight. Walk with your chest held high. Even if this isn’t your natural way of being, you can assume simple poses that will increase your confidence. For particularly high-stakes meetings, it may also be worthwhile to videotape yourself ahead of time so you can see how the other person will view you, adds Johnson. Observing yourself in this way will help you identify how you can improve your delivery.”