How to Make a Good First Impression When Starting a New Job

Article

Starting a new job can feel like a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. You’ve made it through the interview process, and now it’s time to dive in and make a positive first impression on your team. The first few days and weeks on the job are crucial — they set the tone for how your colleagues perceive you and create lasting impressions.

Let's explore how you can turn those first-day jitters into fuel for success.

Doing your homework

Making a punctual and positive start

Do more listening than talking

Engage with your team

Showcase your potential

Looking beyond Day One

The path to a successful first day begins well before Day One of your new role. Start by researching the company thoroughly. Review the website, the firm’s social media accounts and any recent news articles. This knowledge will help you align your behavior and conversation topics with the organization's values and current focus. For example, if you're entering a financial firm known for its community involvement, familiarize yourself with their recent charitable initiatives.

Next, plan your outfit. While dress codes vary between industries and companies, it's generally better to err on the side of formality for your first day. If you're unsure, ask your HR contact for tips on appropriate attire. If you're working remotely, dress professionally for video calls as if you were meeting colleagues in person. This shows respect and helps maintain a business-like atmosphere, even in a virtual setting.

With your preparations complete, it's time to step into your new role and shine.

Your punctuality speaks volumes about your professionalism. If you’re working in-office, aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early. This buffer allows for unexpected delays and gives you time to compose yourself.

When you enter the premises, focus on being yourself rather than trying to project a specific image. Workplaces increasingly recognize the value of diversity, including different personality types and communication styles. Your authentic self is your best asset.

Your first day will likely involve a whirlwind of information, from company policies to project details. Active listening is your most valuable tool during this time. Give your full attention to each person speaking, whether it's your new manager, HR representative or a team member.

Take notes during orientations and meetings. This practice serves two purposes: It helps you retain important information and demonstrates your engagement. Don't worry about capturing every detail. Focus on key points, questions that arise and any action items assigned to you.

Asking thoughtful questions is essential for clarifying expectations and showing your interest. Come armed with a list of queries covering topics like:

Your role's primary responsibilities

Current projects the team is working on

Communication protocols within the team and across departments

Expectations around work hours, availability and response times (for remote and hybrid workers)

Remember, there's no such thing as a dumb or obvious question when you're new. Your manager and colleagues should appreciate your initiative in seeking clarity.

As you settle in, focus on establishing relationships with your colleagues. Start by introducing yourself to those around you. A simple, "Hi, I just joined the [your department] team" can open the door to conversation. If you’re remote, you can reach out via your company’s messaging system or schedule brief video chats to introduce yourself to your new colleagues.

Get to know your coworkers by showing genuine curiosity about their work and experiences. Ask about their roles and what they like most about the company. You might discover shared interests or unexpected connections. These casual chats are great for building rapport and can lead to valuable working relationships down the line.

If you can, say hello to people from other departments too. Having contacts across the company can be incredibly helpful as you settle into your role. You never know when you might need a quick assist or insight from another team.

As you chat with different people, you'll start to pick up on the company's vibe and those unspoken norms that aren't in the employee handbook. Paying attention to this can help you find your footing more quickly.

Starting a new job? Don’t let these five mistakes derail your great first impression.

While your first day isn’t the time to completely overhaul processes or pitch big ideas, you can still demonstrate your value and enthusiasm for the role.

Display a positive attitude toward your new responsibilities. Show eagerness to learn and contribute to the team's goals. When given tasks, tackle them with energy and attention to detail, no matter how small they might seem.

If you have ideas, don't be afraid to share them — but do so with tact. You might say something like, "In my previous role, we approached this differently. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that method." This shows you're eager to contribute while respecting existing processes.

Keep an eye out for small ways to help out. Restocking the printer paper or brewing a fresh pot of coffee might seem trivial, but these little gestures can show you're a team player. For remote workers, it might mean being flexible with meeting times, or volunteering to jump in on a tedious task.

Remember, making a good impression isn't a one-day event — it's an ongoing process. Approach each day with the same enthusiasm and professionalism that you bring to your first day. Continue to ask questions and seek opportunities to contribute and build on the relationships you've started.

If you're working remotely, consider ending your day with a brief message to your manager or team, thanking them for their support and expressing excitement about your role. Your journey has just begun, and with the right approach, it can promise to be an exciting and rewarding one.

If you’re just beginning your job search, we can help. Submit your resume to get started.

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