Skip to content

How to Make a Good First Impression at a New Job

Working from home is slowly becoming the norm across most of the globe. The increase in the number of people having to suddenly work remotely has risen drastically and is rising everyday. And with that comes the acceptance that this might be the way work continues for some time. For many that means starting a job remotely without ever meeting the team.

That takes away your opportunity to make an impression on them face-to-face. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a good impression at all. Like Will Rogers famously said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.

In a March 2020 article by Business News Daily refers to a 2016 study from the staffing firm Robert Half Finance & Accounting that says that over 60% of executives say new employees have less than three months to prove their worth. So here’s how you can be noticed, accepted, become an essential part of a new team and make a good first impression at a new job.

Nurture soft skills

The underappreciated soft skills is truly an essential skill to possess. It is also relevant and required regardless of the industry you are in. Soft skills are important even without being in the midst of a global pandemic, but now even more so. Having people skills including the ability to collaborate, strategic thinking skills, problem solving skills, leadership and more are skills companies are looking for since they are highly beneficial in an unexpected global economic situation.

Develop the ability to adapt

While the current requirement for you at a new company might be a certain role you desire and have been in before, that might change in time as the requirements of the company keep changing through the course of the pandemic and the economic recovery. So having the ability to adapt to unexpected situations is a huge plus and something employers are looking for. Developing the skill to be able to handle and switch to new roles effortlessly is one that will definitely bode well with your employer and will definitely make a good first impression at a new job.

Be proactive

Everyone will be having a hard time adjusting to new norms, processes, and tasks. So it will reflect well on you to be able to show some proactive initiative. This will get you noticed by your employers and show them that you are someone to trust and rely on. It will also show them that you are not afraid of taking up a challenge and are no stranger to problem solving. These are high on the list of skills and qualities employers look for in their employees. Even more so during a time like this. More importantly, it will let them know that you are invested in your role as well as the company’s future.

Show off your knowledge in digital platforms and technology

Now is the time to show off what you can bring to the table by way of digital platforms and technology. Everyone is shifting their products to a digital platform since the pandemic has everyone on lockdown. And since there are no physical face-to-face experiences at all, technology is playing a huge part in communication. So step up and offer your knowledge on the subject since it’s a new experience for many people.

Be punctual

No one likes a person who doesn’t respect or appreciate other peoples’ time. Regardless of the task, call, or assignment, ensure you are on time. This shows your colleagues that you are reliable and someone they can count on. It also shows them that you can manage your time well which ultimately translates to higher productivity. And for whatever reason you can not deliver on time, inform your team in advance and give them a revised time that better suits you. Nothing will gain the respect of your colleagues and give you a great first impression at a new job better than this.

Be visible

As a new hire at a company that is not accustomed to working entirely remotely, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. So make sure to be visible. Attend all the video calls and make yourself heard. Respond to the emails, even if it is just an acknowledgement. Make personal calls to people to share an insight or discuss something you would like their opinion on. This will ensure your integration into the team faster which will also help solidify your presence there.

Wear the right attitude

With the current climate, everyone is feeling anxious and stressed. Recognizing that will help you show empathy to your colleagues. Difficult times like these bring about situations that might bring out the worst in people. Keeping in mind that they are stressed for very real reasons will help you respond to them in a more thoughtful manner. Offer your emotional help of guidance and let them know they can ask for support to relieve some of their stress. Also refrain from yourself venting to your new team members, even if encouraged, since this might not be taken in the best light.

Keep networking

Albeit less aggressively, but even in a situation like this, try and get to know your colleagues the best you can. Making these connections will be harder and more demanding in a remote working environment, since physical proximity isn’t an option. So you will need to purposefully engineer communication to establish any sort of connection. This will require time and consistent effort, but make sure not to step on anyone’s toes.

You’ll need to make a little more effort as the new hire in the current work scenario as compared to before the lockdown. These will definitely help you make an impression.

Summary

Q. What is the one thing that will make you stand out as the employee who is sincere and wants to be involved?

A. Being proactive and asking to work on projects yourself.

 

Q. What can help you get noticed at a job and make a good first impression where your team has not yet met you face-to-face?

A. Making sure you are available for every virtual meeting and being visible wherever possible.

Back To Top