Top 4 Tips to Making a Great First Impression at Work

This week I start a new job and I am a little nervous and a little excited at the same time.  I really want to make a good first impression so I thought about some of the important things on which I should be focusing and hopefully these will help you when you need to make a great first impression in a new job or work setting.

1) BE WELL RESTED - Hopefully you have a few days off between jobs and have had a chance to relax and rejuvenate.  You should be well rested and coffee'd up so you and your attitude to start something new are ready to go!  

2) READ THE COMPANY HANDBOOK - Usually HR will be happy to send you an employee handbook before your start date. Why? Because this gives you the rules of the road at your new company. For example it should state operating hours of the business so you know when to show up and when is ok to leave.  It should let you know the company dress code so you know whether to dress in formal business or business casual.  The handbook is a good first glimpse into the "how to's" of the new company.

3) GROOM WELL - You will be meeting lots of new people the first week of work; so you should make sure nothing about your grooming stands out - negatively.  Get a fresh hair cut so your bangs are not hanging in your eyes.  Clean up your manicure. You will be shaking lots of hands this week!  This attention to detail may not be noticed but it definitely will make sure you don't give a negative first impression.  Plus, you know you will know!

4) DRESS SMARTLY - You have already read the handbook right? Well if you have not, take cues from the people you have met like HR representatives or at the very least the company website on what people wear to work.  Make sure your clothes fit well and are wrinkle free. You want to ensure your shoes and bags are not scuffed or ratty. I don't think you need a whole new wardrobe. You just want to make sure that your clothes fit you well and are well pressed. Your clothes say a lot about you when making a first impression and you want to show in your attire that you care about yourself and your work product!  I also recommend comfortable shoes. My go to work shoes are linked below. I have 6 pair in various colors of this brand because they worked with a tennis show manufacturer to make sure they were comfortable for all day wear. They are a little pricier than your average heel but to me they are well worth it (usually between $150-$250).  I have also linked a few of my favorite work staple options (many available in regular, tall, and petite) that are easy to dress up or down.  Even if your company is not business formal, I think you can afford to dress up a little your first few days or weeks on the job. Try adding a crisp blazer. It shows you take it seriously and really want to do well.  Just click on the pictures below to go straight to these items.
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Now go get them!