The impression that you make on your bosses and coworkers when you first start a job has an effect on your future relationship with them.
I worked in a supermarket while I was going to college. Management hired a new employee and it was up to the employees that had been their longer to show all new hires the ropes.
Myself and another employee began to show a new employee around, orienting them to the store and to their job. We could hardly say anything without him telling us how he did it at the store he worked at before. In his effort to show his experience and knowledge, he came across as a know-it-all. This reputation quickly reached the ears of management and he was seen as "unteachable" by everyone. That kind of label can be hard to reverse.
The first day on a job can be confusing and difficult because there is a lot to take in and remember. It seemed that I was shown a million things the first day on my first job, but only until I had worked their a while did I know what things were trivial and which things were important. I am not sure how I looked on my first day, but I have learned that making a good impression is very important.
It has been said that a person make a judgement about you in as quick as four seconds from the initial contact and largely finalizes the judgement in about 30 seconds after an initial face to face encounter. Research indicates that people are deeply influenced by the first impressions they have of others. A complete picture of the person develops over time, but first impressions make a long and powerful mark. At first glance, this seems harsh, but it is actually good news. We can used this to our advantage. When we start new jobs, present our best self to them.
Be Prepared
The first few days on a job are usually filled with job introductions, a tour, orientation, and paper work. If you don't know the dress code, over dressing is better than under dressing. The dress code will be addressed during orientation. You will probably be presented a employee handbook. This is an important item and is required. Your should read the handbook thoroughly so any objections or questions can be addressed now instead of them catching you by surprise. Never trust the word of a fellow employee over the employee handbook. Seek clarification of any conflicting information. Be prepared for the paperwork and formalities. These may include filling out the W-4, verification of citizenship, verification of licenses, filling out health forms, setting up automatic deposit, drug testing, signing up for insurance.
So what?
Unless you have income that doesn't come from your employment, your are self-employed, or you own your own business, you will start new jobs several times in your lifetime. Your should always present yourself as confident, professional, teachable, and excited.
Going Further...
1. It is important to be confident when starting a new job, but can over confidence be a problem?
2. Read this article and explain how it applies to first impressions.
3. Read about professionalism and describe what professionalism means.
4. What were your key "take-a-ways" from this article?
Myself and another employee began to show a new employee around, orienting them to the store and to their job. We could hardly say anything without him telling us how he did it at the store he worked at before. In his effort to show his experience and knowledge, he came across as a know-it-all. This reputation quickly reached the ears of management and he was seen as "unteachable" by everyone. That kind of label can be hard to reverse.
The first day on a job can be confusing and difficult because there is a lot to take in and remember. It seemed that I was shown a million things the first day on my first job, but only until I had worked their a while did I know what things were trivial and which things were important. I am not sure how I looked on my first day, but I have learned that making a good impression is very important.
It has been said that a person make a judgement about you in as quick as four seconds from the initial contact and largely finalizes the judgement in about 30 seconds after an initial face to face encounter. Research indicates that people are deeply influenced by the first impressions they have of others. A complete picture of the person develops over time, but first impressions make a long and powerful mark. At first glance, this seems harsh, but it is actually good news. We can used this to our advantage. When we start new jobs, present our best self to them.
Be Prepared
The first few days on a job are usually filled with job introductions, a tour, orientation, and paper work. If you don't know the dress code, over dressing is better than under dressing. The dress code will be addressed during orientation. You will probably be presented a employee handbook. This is an important item and is required. Your should read the handbook thoroughly so any objections or questions can be addressed now instead of them catching you by surprise. Never trust the word of a fellow employee over the employee handbook. Seek clarification of any conflicting information. Be prepared for the paperwork and formalities. These may include filling out the W-4, verification of citizenship, verification of licenses, filling out health forms, setting up automatic deposit, drug testing, signing up for insurance.
So what?
Unless you have income that doesn't come from your employment, your are self-employed, or you own your own business, you will start new jobs several times in your lifetime. Your should always present yourself as confident, professional, teachable, and excited.
Going Further...
1. It is important to be confident when starting a new job, but can over confidence be a problem?
2. Read this article and explain how it applies to first impressions.
3. Read about professionalism and describe what professionalism means.
4. What were your key "take-a-ways" from this article?
---------------
PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS BY CLICKING ON THEIR ADDS.
THANK YOU!
This blog is dedicated to development topics that will make you a better employee.
Join the discussion.
If you have a question, leave it in the comments section below.
If you have a comment, leave it in the comment section below.
If you have a suggestion for a topic, leave it in the comment section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment