Make a Positive Impression as the Newbie at Work

When you start a new job it’s important to establish a positive first impression with colleagues. The adjustment period will vary depending on the person and the organization but the attitude you exude at the start will set your tone in the office culture for a very long time. Here are some great tips from Dawn Rosenberg McKay from About.com Guide to give you food for thought as you start a new career opportunity.

1.      Ask questions. Since you are new it’s better to do something right the first time around than have to do it over.

2.      Smile and be friendly – get to know your colleagues and their interests.

3.      Use your lunch hour to gather with new colleagues on occasion, even if it is tempting to connect with your former co-workers and stay in your comfort zone.

4.      Figure out who really has authority to give you work so you can avoid crafty co-workers trying to delegate to you inappropriately.

5.      Pay attention to the grapevine but don’t add to it. You don’t want to establish a reputation as a gossip.

6.      Don’t complain about your boss, your job, or your colleagues – period.

7.      Arrive early and enthusiastically and don’t rush out the door at quitting time during your transition period.

8.      Volunteer for projects that help you get noticed but don’t neglect any assigned work.

9.      Keep a positive attitude and an open mind. Your career world has changed and it will take some getting used to.

10.  Don’t offer ways to fix and improve office policies and work practices that aren’t broken. Take the time to absorb the culture and get the lay of the land before you start making suggestions.