Make a good first impression

If you have recently landed a job, then yes, the worst is over. What's most important is making a good impression your first week at work. Arshie Chevalwala highlights key benefits and methods of doing just that A first impression might not be the last, but it definitely is crucial. As said, initial impressions are ones that stick around for a while. As a fresher, one is bound to be nervous on job. Vishal Chibber, director, HR, Kelly Services India, describes the importance of a first impression, "A first impression is vital, as it defines the basis of interaction going forward and can bias the audience or the next person, even before the actual interaction has begun. For a new employee it sets the tone of how his superiors, peers and juniors perceive him even before their formal interaction starts and hence must start on a good note." There are various benefits of getting the first impression right, and sometimes it is for the convenience of avoiding rectification of a wrong impression. "At times it becomes very difficult to change a persons perception. It takes lesser effort to make a good first impression than to change a not so good one. Till the time people really interact and get to know you, they would judge you by the first impression and hence makes it critical for you to get it right." adds Chibber. Radhika Varma, a fresher at Concept Communication says, "It is extremely crucial to make a friendly and approachable impression in your first week at work. A fresher is bound to feel alien as he is probably being judged by his/ her seniors and colleagues." Nupur Sheth, brand alchemist and online strategist, Zozolo Digital Pvt Ltd further highlights the advantages of a good first impression." As a fresher, your colleagues may or may not judge you by your work, but they definitely judge you by your communication skills, wit and behaviour. It is necessary to impress them; having a good impression automatically gives you a leg up. It directly translates into more opportunities coming your way," she says. Following are steps you can take in order to make a good first impression: Be on time Someone you meet for the first time is not interested in your "excuse" for running late. Plan to arrive a few minutes earlier than scheduled. Allow flexibility for possible delays in traffic or taking a wrong turn. Be yourself, be at ease If you are calm and confident, the other person will feel more at ease. Have a solid foundation for making that first impression a good one. Be yourself and you will automatically behave more confidently. This gives the person you are meeting a better impression of you. Present yourself appropriately The person you are meeting for the first time does not know you and your appearance is usually the first clue he goes with. Of course, physical appearance matters. Dress professionally You should never underestimate the importance of dressing professionally at your work place. Your dressing sense helps people judge your nature. Ask for help if needed No one expects you to solve all the organisational problems on your first week at work. Ask for help if needed. Remember, it's better to ask before you've made a mistake. Listen more, talk less One of the hardest skills to learn for some of us -- especially extroverts is that when we are new to the organisation, it's better to listen than to talk. You don't wish to hamper your reputation, do you? Show appreciation Nothing works like kindness and genuine appreciation. Thank and appreciate those who help you learn the ropes during your first days at work. Meet and network with key people in your organisation. Take advantage of every opportunity to network with key people in your organisation. Attend staff meetings, professional organisation conferences and social gatherings. Constantly try and grow your network of contacts, you never know when a problem or opportunity will arise.