How to make a good first impression… within the first two weeks

Mind the time

Punctuality goes a long way in the workplace. And we’re not just talking about arriving on time everyday (although that’s definitely a big part of making a good impression!); delivering work to deadlines is just as important. You probably aren’t going to run into too many urgent ones within your first few weeks, but you’ll be given tasks and completing them promptly will help your new colleagues to recognise your value and abilities.

Dress smartly

No, we’re not saying that everyone should wear a suit – that would look a bit silly in some cases! But everyone should be smart about their clothing choices. If you’re going to be on your feet all day, don’t wear uncomfortable shoes. If you’re going to be interacting with clients, don’t wear casual clothes. If you’re going to be doing any sort of active or manual work, don’t wear your best designer outfit. It’s obvious advice, but it’s also surprising how many people get it wrong. If you’re not sure what the situation is, why not ask about it in advance? And as you spend more time in your workplace, you’ll quickly learn what works and what doesn’t.

Get involved

Showing a willingness to get involved is a sure-fire way of demonstrating your enthusiasm and commitment. It’s not uncommon for there to be periods of downtime within the first few weeks of a new job so if you find yourself experiencing this, why not seize the initiative and ask what you can help with? Get stuck in where you can – even if it’s with something that’s not officially in your job description – and you’re sure to make a great first impression on your new colleagues.

Ask questions

The first few weeks in a new workplace – the first few months really – are all about learning. While a lot of this will come from the work you’re given or your colleagues, there’s always scope to find out more. Asking questions shows interest and reinforces that willingness and eagerness to learn. Maybe you want to understand more about a particular subject. Maybe you’re curious about something you’ve heard or read. Why not let that curiosity out and ask?

Talk to your team

Your colleagues are likely to be a mix of interesting people, with varied backgrounds and personality types. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them going forward, so it makes sense to get to know them a little – and let them get to know you in return. Why not ask them to go for coffee or lunch? A more informal setting can be a good way of breaking the ice and starting to build relationships with your team.

To reach the first couple of weeks in a new workplace, you first have to perfect your CV and ace your interview. Luckily, we’ve got some great advice to get you started on that road to success!

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