Regardless of whether it is your first job or your tenth, remote or in-office, starting a new role at a new workplace is indeed a challenge. (Source of Image: iStock)

The first day at work is always the most memorable, and can also be the most pressure-filled, throughout your career. However, you can alleviate some of the anxiety by carefully planning ahead.

In reality, the first impression you create can “shape” some opinions and perspectives of your colleagues about you throughout your time working there. Therefore, consider some ways to make a good impression on your first day of work.

Arrive on time

Get a good night’s sleep before your first day of work to ensure that you feel refreshed and alert. Anyone will have a bad impression of someone who appears sluggish, tired, or even arrives late.

Arriving on time shows that you are organised, value your work, and care about the company’s time and your colleagues’ time.

Consider the first day and the first week at work as similar to when you interviewed for the job. Enthusiasm is important when starting a new job, and do not forget to demonstrate confidence. Try to prove to your new boss that they made the right decision in choosing you – a professional, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable individual.

When you arrive late, you have left a bad impression. No one wants to start an important meeting with an apology (Source of Image: Adobe Stock)

Dress professionally and appropriately

Never underestimate the importance of dressing appropriately on your first day of work. How you dress can significantly impact the first impression.

Whether you like it or not, the reality is that people will judge you based on your appearance. In most cases, the workplace is not a place to showcase avant-garde, rebellious, or unconventional fashion trends. Dress appropriately to demonstrate reliability and organisation.

Today, dress codes will vary depending on the workplace. The best way to decide what you should wear is to ask, and to observe those around you. If your workplace’s dress code is more relaxed, you can also dress more casually, but do so only after everyone has gotten to know you.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

On your first day at work, maintain a friendly and cheerful attitude when interacting with others. Approach your assigned tasks with enthusiasm, openness, and absolutely no complaints about any work, tasks, or colleagues. Having a positive attitude is one of the best ways to create a lasting impression.

Take Notes

During your first day of work, you may be inundated with a plethora of information that is challenging to absorb all at once, such as the operation of various equipment and systems in the office, specific rules to follow. To better remember, write them down on paper, and then you can refer back to your notes when necessary.

Taking notes shows that you are meticulous, careful in your work, even in the smallest tasks. This will also help you avoid troubles, annoyances, or reprimands for inadvertently overlooking instructions or reminders.

You may have to go through a challenging work process, so take careful notes for convenience (Source of Image: the Internet – vhv.rs)

Request Help with Sincerity

As a new employee of the company, you do not necessarily have to know everything. If you have questions or need help with a specific task, do not hesitate to ask. With your sincerity, it is certain that people will be more than willing to help. Therefore, whether speaking or asking for assistance, honesty is crucial.

Furthermore, this “bothering” process can actually improve the relationship between you and your colleagues. However, express sincerity and remember to keep a balance.

Avoid Workplace Gossip and Rumours

Gossiping, badmouthing, or spreading rumours is considered negative behaviour that causes division in the workplace. Therefore, to focus on work and obtain goodwill from others, it is necessary to stay away from those who spread baseless rumours and avoid interacting with such individuals.

Have Lunch with Colleagues

Instead of waiting for your colleagues to invite you, take the initiative to invite them for a meal, such as a casual lunch. Having lunch with colleagues will help you build a relationship with them and quickly understand the company culture.

During lunch, everyone can comfortably share interesting stories and talk about things beyond work. This is the ideal time for you to connect more closely with your colleagues.

It is important to use mealtime to develop friendships or expand relationships, whether with colleagues or superiors (Source of Image: the Internet)

However, you also need to be moderate and cautious in your words and actions, and avoid delving into private or sensitive topics if you don’t want to be considered nosy, gossipy. Therefore, keep the conversation focused on everyday topics, the company, or the work environment.

Initiate Taking Responsibility for Mistakes

Just as you may have the ability to achieve success, you can also make mistakes during the first few days at work. When needed, take the initiative to admit your mistakes, show sincerity and your willingness to progress.

Generally, people may overlook professional mistakes, but it can be challenging for them to accept an unprofessional attitude.

Edited by NB Asia Executive Search LLC – Brand Identity Team, proofread by VINH PHAN, Practice Leader of Executive Search & Board Services, referred to DanTri

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