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How to Make a Brilliant Impression on the First Day of Your New Job

It can take from 1 month to over a year to find the right job yet fewer than 90 days to lose it. It is therefore understandable that your first day will be your most nerve-wracking.

Commonly initial dismissals are due to failure to understand and fit into a company's culture. Therefore, it is fair to say the first few weeks of your new job are crucial. You can only make a first impression once, so it's very important to demonstrate those traits and characteristics that are the reason you were hired for the job you've secured. But remember, your boss and colleagues won't expect you to be perfect, as long as you show intelligence, versatility and a willingness to work and learn, people will be more than happy to have you onboard.

By ensuring that you are well prepared in advance of your first week can make all the difference. It can help to build your confidence and ensure that you get the most out of your first week.

However, as with most things in life, time makes things easier - and of course the same applies to a new job. A positive attitude will make your new job exciting, challenging and foremost rewarding and will also help you build a strong foundation for your future with the company.

So how do you make that first and foremost lasting impression?

Take A Break

If possible take a week's break between jobs so you can clear your head and catch up on any lost sleep that could result in personal poor performance.

If this is not feasible, at the very least you must get a good night's sleep before your first day - turning up as though you have just got out of bed will not help you in any shape or form.

Ask For Your Objectives

On your first day ask the person (or people) conducting your orientation to define what you will be doing during your first week. In addition, ask what your overall and long term objectives are. Once you get into the day-to-day details of a job, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Therefore setting your objectives is always a great way of creating a point of reference for the future. Do make sure that you and your manager revisit and review those objectives regularly (especially within the first year of your job so you can get a good indication of how you are doing!).

Was It Rob or Dave or Ben or... ???

Recall the names and titles of everyone you met during your interview (I know it's hard, often you get bombarded with them) so you are able to greet them and pronounce their names correctly.  It sounds simple and obvious yet remembering or forgetting names is something that can make a very good, or yes, very bad impression.

Get Your Geek On

Try to obtain back issues of the company's newsletters, annual reports and press clippings. If possible check your competitors' literature; this will help you get a better grasp on what the "bigger picture" is.

Bright And Early

Know where, when and whom to report to on day one. Get there that little bit earlier (approx. 20-30 mins) - this will allow you to introduce yourself to other members of your team. Don't wait for people to approach you to say 'hello', show them interest by asking them what their role is and if you could have a quick chat to find out more about them at their convenience. Also, try to be aware of your colleague's schedules and work habits, so you can find out the optimal times and means to connect with others.

Dress To Impress

All eyes will be on you, so pay extra attention to your grooming and dress tastefully and slightly above the usual dress code - but make sure you don't go overboard.

Notes, Notes, Notes

Note down procedures, names of key people and contact numbers so you can get to grips with work processes.  If you fail to take notes when someone is trying to teach you something -it may come across as rude or even lazy.

Ask For More

Expect and embrace inevitable challenges that your position may throw at you. If you can demonstrate a flexible attitude it will decrease stress for both yourself and others around you. As you finish assignments and are ready to handle larger workloads, ask for more! If you have the choice, pick sales projects that have support from upper management as this will help you to shine to the big bosses! It is unlikely that you will have much to do on your very first day - but do spend your time familiarizing yourself with systems and applications - or even helping someone else who needs it!

A Thank You Can Go A Long Way

Make sure you pay greater attention to being kind and appreciative to everyone that helps you learn the ropes in the first few weeks. Being the 'newbie' is hard enough, let alone being perceived as the rude one so showing your appreciation will definitely not go unnoticed.

Do The Listening

Try to resist offering strong options- the road ahead of you may be full of land mines and you won't know exactly where they are. Rather than showing off how much you know, you'll get a little more respect by listening and absorbing what your coworkers have to teach and say. Remember to also keep discussions light avoiding what may seem like sensitive topics like politics or telling rude jokes. Don't be scared however to disagree just because you're new - the points you have to make will be regarded as valid, that's why they hired you after all.

Observe Your Surrounding

Your first week in a new job is usually the only time in which you can truly observe the working environment with absolute clarity and objectivity.

Use this period wisely and use it before you are fully integrated into the culture without emotional involvement or subjectivity. But do remember that first impressions are not always accurate so try as hard as you can to avoid making generalisations or judgments - simply observe behaviours and procedures and make note of any fantastic ideas you may have!

Get To Know Your Boss, Key Players And Your Colleagues

Observe and examine your boss' personality, work style and ethics and endeavor to tailor your interactions to their preferences. Discover who the influencers, decision-makers, stars and up-and-comers are - if you can do this, you can establish traits they have in common and try to emulate them. Finally, get to know as many as people as you can - especially fellow teammates and those who you will be working with regularly. If you are able to establish the foundation for a relationship and trust, information and rapport will follow.

Nobody likes the office gossiper (though it is very tempting to get the inside scoop on who's doing exactly what to whom) so keep neutral and try to steer clear of office gossip. In addition, always make your boss look good and remember to share credit with your workmates.

Leave The Past Behind You

Bringing previous experiences from your prior employment is invaluable, inevitable and quite frankly irritating. Do try to avoid recreating your previous workplace instead learn to attempt and mould yourself and your experience to what is your new surroundings rather than expecting them to mould around you.

Are You And Your Boss On The Same Page?

Make sure you are clear what priorities and issues need to be immediately addressed and how often and in what format you should provide sales reports updates. It could damage your relationship if you and your boss start off on the wrong page.

Major Changes vs. Minor Changes

Even if during your interview the company informed you that they were looking for lots of fresh ideas please proceed cautiously. Show respect for individuals who have invested energy in a project, system or sales idea before trying to change it. Obstacles that you aren't aware of may be there. Ask both yourself and team members why things are done the way they are and seek feedback. Ensure you applaud what has been done well and frame changes as "enhancements".

Don't Be Scared To Ask For Help

Admit your limitations - those managers who propose to be 'superhuman' only succeed in alienating employees and raising expectations that can't be met. Asking for help from those around you and clarity in certain tasks does not have to be out of bounds and could potentially save embarrassment if you were to carry out a task that you had misunderstood. You may also find from asking for help that you will easily build good relationships with your colleagues as you will clearly demonstrate that you highly value their experience and knowledge of the job.

Is It Really Necessary To Eat The Dodgy "Left Over" Prawn Curry During Your First Week?

It's important to show up to work every day and establish a good attendance record. There will be emergencies, and yes, you may get sick, but as best you can, try your hardest to make it to Work every day during those first weeks/months of the job.

Don't Make Plans!

Avoid lunch with a friend on your first day as this way you will be able to accept any invitations from your new boss or colleagues. This is a great way to break the ice! It also a good idea to be open to after work drink invites. This will allow you get to know your work colleagues and vice versa in a less formal environment, BUT still keep your guard up (especially so early on), you wouldn't want to get fired for saying the wrong thing or even worse - hitting on the boss (or any other work colleagues for that matter!).

Confidence Not Arrogance

The interview may be over but people will still be judging you - and those that will be judging you are most likely to be your peers. Show that you are a confident individual that has much to offer to the firm (after all you did get the job!). Nonetheless, it's important to show a degree of humbleness - being overly confident can give off an impression of arrogance. Nobody likes their new colleague to act as though they know better than anyone else.

To Conclude - Start as You Mean To Go On.

Being the newest member of a corporation "the rookie or newbie" is challenging, but very exciting also! You'll come face to face with difficulties and opportunities but do make sure you make the most of all situations.

However, don't panic if you don't make a perfect first impression during the early days of your new job - few of us ever do. But do remember to relax, be open-minded, get to know your teammates well and do your work. This way you'll go far in making a lasting impression and reputation.  Good Luck in your new role!

Published: 26th March 2021

Date published: 27th Feb 2024

Rob Scott, Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment, Author Photo

About the author

Rob Scott

Rob is the Managing Director of Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment, a national recruitment agency specialising in sourcing sales and marketing staff for businesses across a broad range of commercial sectors. Before setting up Aaron Wallis, Rob spent ten years at a specialist Sales and Marketing recruitment division of a £0.5BN recruitment group, leaving in 2007 as Marketing & Sales Director to establish Aaron Wallis.
 
With over 24 years of experience in sales recruitment, Rob is a History graduate with an MBA (Merit) and a PgCert in Management Practice.  In 2007, 2009 and 2013 Rob conducted the most extensive surveys of sales professionals in the UK and is a trusted authority in the sales industry. From guiding employers through the recruitment process to helping candidates find their dream job, Rob's advice has been quoted in leading publications such as Business Insider and The Independent, as well as OnRec, which host The Online Recruitment Awards every year.

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I found Aaron Wallis to be very professional and efficient, taking time to understand the role and the type of candidate we were looking for. The candidates they put forward met our criteria and were of a high standard. The service they provided was exemplary and I would have no hesitation in recommending them, and will certainly consider using them again in the future.

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Sophie did a great job at understanding our business and our needs, she is extremely professional and we hugely benefitted from her experience and expertise.

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I have always found Rob to be very knowledgeable about our industry sector, and it is refreshing to see after all of these years that Rob continues to quickly and accurately understand my requirements.

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Thanks for all your help during the recruitment process. I have been extremely impressed with Aaron Wallis especially when compared to other agencies we have dealt with. I really felt you grasped the type of person we required and found strong candidates.

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As always we were extremely impressed with Rob's understanding of the role and our specific needs.

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Really good service. Just the right amount of contact and easy to deal with.

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I could not suggest anything I would like you to do better. The service you provided materially exceeded my expectations. I would especially like to commend Simon Bonner; he is easily the best recruitment consultant I have ever dealt with. I particularly valued his advice and guidance throughout the recruitment process. 

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Managing Director, Citrefine International Ltd

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HR Manager, Big Dug

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Managing Director, Medicash

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Managing Director, bigHead Bonding Fasteners Ltd

Aaron Wallis has continuously provided us with suitable candidates that have been proactively sourced. Having used countless recruitment companies, Aaron Wallis are the only company that I can count on to deliver.

Managing Director, JARK Healthcare Recruitment

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Sales Manager, TR Fasteners

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CEO, Friday Ad Online Services

Thank you for your dedicated help during the recruitment process - we came to you after unsuccessfully searching elsewhere, and hired, not one, but two! Quick response times, and a really personal approach, without being pushy.

Managing Director, Accora Ltd

We were impressed not only by the quality of candidates you found for us but also the level of information, preparation and qualification you put into the process. You continually kept us informed of each person’s feelings about the process, which is very important but often overlooked. I am looking forward to working with your company again in the future.

Commercial Director, Incentive Facilities Management

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George came recommended by a colleague and has been a pleasure to work with. He was great at updating us on his progress and ensured a great experience for both client and candidate.

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Simon was knowledgeable on his clients history, background and what their requirements were and he worked around time zones, holidays and a pandemic to get the right result.

J. Tooze, Candidate

I had a very good experience with Aaron Wallis. The company itself is offering great content for all things related to the hiring process. I definitely recommend.

J. Ostermeier, Candidate

Excellent experience. Knowledgeable staff and really went the extra mile. Found my ideal position and I couldn't be happier. Special shout out to Sam and George: who made the process smooth and easy for me. Highly recommend.

K. Pearce, Candidate

A great recruitment company to work with. Excellent experience with Aaron Wallis through the entire recruitment process. The team was really professional and extremely helpful. Darren was a pleasure to work with. He was friendly, supportive and gave me great advice. Thank you very much!

A. Bauchet, Candidate

I had a great experience. Helped me every step of the way to get my new job. Sophie was very polite, kind and helpful!

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Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment are a very friendly and professional recruitment organisation who listen to your needs, work with you and act on your behalf which sets them apart from many of their competitors who in my experience are willing to throw anything at you. We discussed my history, my preferences and my wishes - one opportunity was introduced. It was perfect. I start at the end of June.

R. Buckley, Candidate

Very good advice and support was given during the course of the interviewing process. Potential job seekers would be well advised to use this company whilst looking for their new career.

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I can honestly say that the time and expertise you gave me was way beyond any other recruitment consultant I dealt with. You are a rarity in your industry.

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C. Hoy, Candidate

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P. Fitzsimons, Candidate

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J. McGrattan, Candidate

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J. Marcinkiewicz, Candidate

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C. Caine, Candidate

Aaron Wallis (and in particular Rob Scott) have been fantastic throughout the recruitment process, and even a few months down the line, still continues to care. Rob clearly cares about each individual and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which shows in the work he does. Each candidate is not just a number, and the support received from Aaron Wallis has helped me get a career which I truly enjoy.

M. White, Candidate 

George above and beyond to make sure I had everything I need to secure my new role. Outstanding Professional.

A. Kirkland, Candidate

George Humphries was a complete professional at every point, from our first phone conversation to his “good luck tomorrow” text on Sunday before I started in my new role.

E. Fry, Candidate

George is a fantastic recruitment agent and provides a great service. It was a pleasure I thoroughly recommend George to anyone.

C. Beaugie, Candidate

Wanted to say a huge thank you to Simon Bonner who has just helped me secure my new role. He was one of the most professional recruiters I have ever worked with he was supportive really quick at replying and really put me at ease.

J. Marcinkiewicz, Candidate

I would highly recommend thank you to Darren for helping me secure my new job role! Excellent service all round!

G. Thompson, Candidate

Professional and responsive from start to finish. I would highly recommend. Special thanks to Sophie J for her help and support throughout.

N. Leney, Candidate

Darren at Aaron Wallis was really encouraging and helpful. He was very responsive and regularly made phone calls to explain the job opportunities available, and guided me through the application process.

A. Brown, Candidate

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Sophie helped me secure a new role I have been searching for. She took her time to explain clear and concisely all I needed to succeed at the interview stage. Thanks again Sophie!

O. Oladejo, Candidate

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D. Burgess, Candidate

Aaron Wallis is an outstanding recruitment agency specialising in high calibre sales positions. I was working directly with Darren Dewrance who went above and beyond my expectations in sourcing me my perfect role. I was kept in regular communication with Darren and he worked extremely hard to secure my dream job. Highly recommended and Thanks Darren for all your expertise and hard work.

R. Sealy, Candidate

I would highly recommend Aaron Wallis Recruitment, Darren was extremely helpful and provided me with plenty of advice and support throughout the whole process.

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Fantastic customer service, communication was brilliant, happy polite people to talk to, made everything a lot easier and smoother. Thank you for all your help getting me back in the work force, Keep up the good work :-)

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C. Rockliffe, Candidate

The service provided by Aaron Wallis has been just great. I was constantly informed about what was going on with the process interview and the agent has always been supportive and kind to me.

L. Colagrossi, Candidate

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M. Wyer, Candidate

Perfect from start to finish. Simon deserves a shout out. Best recruiter there is. If you need a job, this guy will get you one. He's like the super man of recruiters. Top man, can't recommend him enough.

M. Crisp, Candidate

I have to say using Aaron Wallis Recruitment has been nothing but an absolute pleasure. I've used many agencies over the years as the client and the candidate and its not always been a pleasurable experience!

L. Knowles, Candidate

Good swift process with Aaron Wallis, informative regarding the role and the process was moved at a good pace with healthy interaction. Would recommend them to anyone pursuing a change.

S. Bartlett, Candidate

The staff at Aaron Wallis were fantastic. Throughout the process, they maintained excellent communication and I always knew where I stood.

M. Owusu, Candidate

The Recruitment agent I used, Simon, was extremely helpful and really went the extra mile to ensure all of my questions were answered, and that I felt as comfortable and prepared as possible. Very professional company and would definitely recommend to others. Thank you Aaron Wallis!

A. Callaby, Candidate

Sophie contacted me about a role explained the details clearly and made sure I was ready for the interview. She kept in touch every step of the way till I started the job. Thank you Sophie for a great experience.

S. Powell, Candidate

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