By Mary Rae Floresca | Negosentro.com
Making a good first impression is often overlooked by the newbies at work, even when they are still applying for the job. The judgement of the front desk officer that assisted you is counted whether you are hired or not. That’s just the first step to make an impression – be likeable to make an impression to anyone you meet.
We’ve lined up tips and more in-depth ways to make the best impression in the workplace.
1. Be Punctual
This is a cliché move for first-time workers, but this is one of the best impressions to show your boss that says “I’m early, game on, I’m ready for work”. This should not only be done on the first day, maintain it, own that quality of yours then you will not only impress your superiors but also your subordinates, this is a step to good leadership, do it first, and the rest will follow.
2. Good communication
Networking has been the main way for entrepreneurs to find customers and to present their own brand, during this process, you meet different people. The first time you meet them, offer a handshake, a firm and sincere kind of handshake and also maintain an eye contact, do a few nods while chatting, but don’t overdo it, it will look fake.
3. Poise and Professionalism
Remember how Robert de Niro flaunted his suit in the movie Intern? And in the end of the movie, the millenials imitated him? That’s how an employee should be, it’s little effort that you show in support of your skills, present to everyone how you are professionally dressed and owning it. Learn to suit up for success!
4. Listen and Understand
This is important during the orientation on the first day of your work, listen intently, take down notes then understand. Don’t make an invisible barrier when you communicate, pay attention. The author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey advises, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood”, you should not listen with just the intent to reply, when needed, give honest and accurate feedback.
5. Ask
In business events, you meet new people, you socialize, to be effective in widening your network, you should connect with the new acquaintances by asking thoughtful and open-ended questions, can be anything under the sun, just keep the discussion flowing. Learn from each other and gather ideas.
