When you’re just starting out in your career, it can often feel like everyone already knows exactly what they’re doing… except you. You’ll hear people talk so confidently in meetings, and they’ll move from one task to another without having to ask anyone anything, while you’re still working out the etiquette of the workplace and what everyone’s called. It’s a strange stage of life that’s exciting and uncomfortable at the same time, and it’s full of small moments where you hope you’re doing the right thing so it looks like you belong.
That’s why first impressions are still so important, and it’s not because you’ve got to impress everyone or put on any kind of performance, but it’s because those first interactions can absolutely set the tone for the rest of your career. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
People Notice The Simple Things
When you think about it – and perhaps think back to experiences you’ve had in the past – you’ll realise that the best first impressions don’t usually come from big, dramatic things. They actually come from smaller things that just mean a lot in the workplace, like being prepared when you get to work, being polite, listening properly, and doing the things you say you’re going to do.
The best part about all that is that although some people will just do these things naturally without even thinking, if you do have a problem remembering what to do, it’s all about practice – do it often enough and it becomes a habit, and then you’ll find you’re impressing people without even knowing it.
Being Prepared Helps You Relax
One of the best (and easiest) ways to help you feel more confident when you’re early on in your career is just to prepare more than you think you need to, meaning you should always read the agenda before a meeting, for example, or check you’ve got the right documents, and, of course, always take notes just in case you forget later on.
It does sound basic, but it’s worth remembering because preparation means you can come across as more capable because you’re not desperately scrambling to find out things or remember things – and the more you do it, the calmer you’ll feel.
And thoughtful gestures outside the usual work tasks can help a lot too – if your team is hosting an event or welcoming new starters, for example, you could offer to help organise something, like arranging a few treats or hamper baskets – that’s going to show initiative without being over the top.
You Don’t Have To Hide Who You Are
One thing a lot of people actually worry about is that if they make a strong first impression it means they’re pretending to be someone or something they’re not – but that’s not the case at all. It’s really just about respect, which is why it’s so important to arrive on time, communicate clearly, keep your promises, and essentially treat people well, and so on.
You can still be yourself while you’re doing all that, and it’s actually important that you do because people really do respond to real people so much better than fake ones (and it’s often very easy to tell).
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