Make a good impression

Making a good impression on your first day in a new job is easy if you follow a few simple guidelines, says Colin Mathieson, managing director of Alpha Personnel Recruitment.

He says making a first impression starts before the first day.

"They should make sure exactly where they're going and when they should be there," he says.

Arriving with plenty of time can reduce the anxiety level but Mathieson says the best thing to do is to actually arrange with the boss to come in a bit late on the first day.

"We try and suggest to our clients that they don't get there first on a Monday morning. Perhaps on the first day, start a little later so that they're a bit more relaxed. Perhaps on an 8:30 start that they can get there at 9."

Since having a new employee start work often throws a spanner into the works for the whole team. Mathieson says a buffer time will give everyone a chance to get settled in before making first impressions.

"Monday morning first thing is often quite a stressful time. Everybody's just coming in from the weekend. It's when all the gremlins happen. The PCs don't work and the coffee won't brew."

Since a good part of a first impression is how we dress, Mathieson recommends sorting out the dress code early.

"Generally I recommend that they slightly overdress rather than under dress on their first day."

But sometimes Mathieson says it can be really tough to know what to wear.

"I've actually got on to a client and said, "what should the guy wear on his first day?' He might say 'smart casual'."

For guys that means slacks rather than jeans and a collared shirt.

For women smart casual is a tailored skirt and top. But Mathieson says to watch it with the shoes.

"We might even go as far as saying, "Don't wear your bright coloured footwear on your first day. See how things go'."

Mathieson says the terminology you use on your first day can also have a huge impact on your first impression, particularly the way you refer to yourself within the group.

"Using inclusive words like 'we' are really good things for a candidate to do on their first day on the job. You're telling the employer right up front that you're part of the team."

'Can I go to lunch?' becomes 'what do we do for lunch around here?'

With lunch or any other non-work activities on the first day, Mathieson says to be very careful about what sort of impression it gives.

"We suggest that they don't make any plans to leave work during the day. The worst thing that a new employee can do is schedule their dentist on day one."

Good employers will have some sort of induction in place on the first day to get you settled in and meet your colleagues. Your supervisor will have time scheduled to work with you when you come in.

"First impressions are a two way thing. It's not just the impression of the candidate on the client. It's often the first time the candidate has walked into their new work environment and met all the people they're going to work with."

If no induction is planned, Mathieson says all hope is not lost.

"All I can say to a candidate who finds themselves in that situation is grin and bear it. It's not always the sign of a bad organisation but it's not necessarily a great sign either."

One of the easiest ways to make a good first impression is not to make a bad impression. When it comes to talking about your former employer, the same rules apply as when dating.

"Understand that you're going to a new company. They'll be curious about your old company but they won't want it rammed down their throats."

Avoid saying things like; "At my old company this is what we did."

If you rave about your old workplace, your new co-workers might wonder why you left. Save the compliments for the new workplace where it's deserved. If you are happy to be at the new company then say so.

It's also helpful to get straight about the pecking order from day one.

"Asking for an organisation chart is really handy. When somebody comes to see you you want to have a clue as to who they are and where they fit within your company."