Making the Wrong First Impression

A first impression can stick with you for years, particularly in a professional setting. When you start off on the wrong foot, you may find yourself working harder to overcome your initial missteps. Avoiding professionally taboo behaviors can help you fit in faster and establish a positive reputation from the first day forward.

Being Late

Arriving late on your first day is a surefire way to make a bad first impression. Even with a reasonable excuse, such as a traffic jam or a family emergency, tardiness creates an instant sense of ill-will that can be difficult to dispel. To avoid a late arrival, do a trial run of your new commute a few days before work, preferably on a weekday. On the day you start work, leave earlier than necessary to allow extra time for unforeseen accidents and delays. The time buffer gives you the chance to relax, so you can walk in feeling calm and confident rather than rushed and worried.

Inappropriate Appearance

Unfair as it may be, people tend to make snap judgements based on appearance. Showing up in inappropriate clothing is one of the easiest ways to sabotage a first impression before you say a word. The definition of inappropriate varies from company to company; wearing heels and a business suit to a fast-food job is just as bad as wearing jeans and flip-flops to a job at a corporate headquarters. To reduce your risk of a fashion faux pas, scope out the company before you start. Find a reason to stop by, and observe what clothing employees are wearing. Stick close to the norm for the first few days to avoid being judged by what you are wearing rather than the quality of your work.

Getting Too Personal

Personal connections can help you build relationships at a new job, but going too far can make for a bad first impression. The first few days of a job are not the time to complain about your old boss or provide an avalanche of personal drama. Oversharing about your personal and professional past can bore new colleagues, or worse, give you a reputation as a gossip. Until you develop deeper relationships with co-workers, it is best to remain friendly yet professional.

Poor Communication

Communication is an essential part of a new job. If you're terrible at small talk, or if you can't offer a quick elevator speech about your past experience, you may come off as inarticulate or awkward. To make a strong first impression, practice talking about yourself in short increments. When you have quick answers ready, you can avoid rambling or struggling to find the right words. Short answers also enable you to be friendly without dragging the other person into a lengthy conversation; if they are interested, they can ask follow-up questions.

The first few days at a new job can feel like a minefield. By avoiding common mistakes and preparing for the demands of a new office environment, you can make a strong first impression that lasts.

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