The
First Day on the Job
How
to make a good impression
•
Be on time
Wake up early and eat a good breakfast. Make sure you have planned your route and timed the morning commute. This is not the day you want to get lost, oversleep, or show up with your hair still wet.
• Your appearance matters – make sure to look your part.
Some points to keep in minds: wear appropriate footwear, don’t over do the jewelry and keep your nails neatly trimmed
• Be enthusiastic and positive, and remember to smile!
Keep your head up and remember to make eye contact. Be polite and friendly to everyone you encounter, whether it's the receptionist, the cleaning woman, or your colleagues. Introduce yourself to those you meet and remember that it's okay to ask questions. People are always happy to help.
• Listen and Observe before suggesting any changes
When entering an environment where routines are already in place, a newcomer walking in and talking about "better ways" to do things, will often be met with negative reactions. Why? First, you know nothing about why they do things the way they do. Second, you haven't gained the trust of your co-workers. Finally, people, by nature, are threatened by change. Remember, you are the new kid on the block while your co-workers have been around longer. Learn from their collective experience.
• Mind Your Manners
Save off-color jokes and stories for your friends. They have no place in the workplace, especially one with which you are unfamiliar. You don't know your co-workers' personalities well enough to know what reactions these jokes and stories will engender.
• Keep Your Ear to the Grapevine But Don't Contribute to It
The grapevine should be considered the unofficial office newsletter. By keeping your ears open you can gain valuable insight into office dynamics, co-worker's personalities, and who to stay away from on a particular day. The most important thing is not to contribute to the grapevine. This holds especially true when you are new. You don't want to begin your career with a reputation for being a gossip.
Wake up early and eat a good breakfast. Make sure you have planned your route and timed the morning commute. This is not the day you want to get lost, oversleep, or show up with your hair still wet.
• Your appearance matters – make sure to look your part.
Some points to keep in minds: wear appropriate footwear, don’t over do the jewelry and keep your nails neatly trimmed
• Be enthusiastic and positive, and remember to smile!
Keep your head up and remember to make eye contact. Be polite and friendly to everyone you encounter, whether it's the receptionist, the cleaning woman, or your colleagues. Introduce yourself to those you meet and remember that it's okay to ask questions. People are always happy to help.
• Listen and Observe before suggesting any changes
When entering an environment where routines are already in place, a newcomer walking in and talking about "better ways" to do things, will often be met with negative reactions. Why? First, you know nothing about why they do things the way they do. Second, you haven't gained the trust of your co-workers. Finally, people, by nature, are threatened by change. Remember, you are the new kid on the block while your co-workers have been around longer. Learn from their collective experience.
• Mind Your Manners
Save off-color jokes and stories for your friends. They have no place in the workplace, especially one with which you are unfamiliar. You don't know your co-workers' personalities well enough to know what reactions these jokes and stories will engender.
• Keep Your Ear to the Grapevine But Don't Contribute to It
The grapevine should be considered the unofficial office newsletter. By keeping your ears open you can gain valuable insight into office dynamics, co-worker's personalities, and who to stay away from on a particular day. The most important thing is not to contribute to the grapevine. This holds especially true when you are new. You don't want to begin your career with a reputation for being a gossip.
Brooklyn:
1418 65th Street, Brooklyn N.Y.11219 Toll Free 1-866-ONLYBLUE (665- 9258) or 718-232-BLUE (2583) Fax: 718-234-BLUE (2583)
New Jersey: 209 East 11th Ave., Roselle, NJ 07203, Tel: 908-445-0445, Fax: 908-445-0444
1418 65th Street, Brooklyn N.Y.11219 Toll Free 1-866-ONLYBLUE (665- 9258) or 718-232-BLUE (2583) Fax: 718-234-BLUE (2583)
New Jersey: 209 East 11th Ave., Roselle, NJ 07203, Tel: 908-445-0445, Fax: 908-445-0444