How to make an impact when starting a new job

Starting a new job can be overwhelming. As you don’t yet know the culture or your colleagues, how you are perceived in your first weeks can provoke anxiety. To set up your future at your new job, always put your best foot forward, present yourself with a confident, positive attitude and great interpersonal skills. Let’s check some steps to make an impressionable impact in your new job.

First Impressions Count

According to Harvard Business Review, we make judgements about others within seconds and those first impressions are almost impossible to shake.
It is important to put in the effort to get to know your new co-workers. Take note of what is going on around you, mirror this behaviour and utilise every interaction to show that you are a professional, respectful and industrious worker but also someone who is enjoyable to work with.
From day one, find out how your manager likes to communicate, e.g. face to face, email, call, etc. Do not assume your manager will be the same as your previous employers, it shows initiative to approach them yourself.
After you have completed a task, get feedback from your manager or colleagues. Not only does this show your eagerness to improve, it also gives room for growth so that you can determine what you need to focus on to make a bigger impact in the long run. It takes time to earn the trust of others but by doing so it will improve communication, your work ethic and the ethic of those around you.
When facing a challenge at work, try to see it as an opportunity at success and take on every task you do with enthusiasm and a positive mindset no matter how tedious it may be. People naturally gravitate towards those who have a positive attitude so by cultivating an optimistic presence, you are already on your way to making a lasting impact in your new workplace.

Ask Questions

No matter how much experience you do (or don’t) have, there is always a learning curve to overcome as a new employee. From how to do your job effectively to how the organisation works, asking questions is key to your success. Not only does it help build a positive relationship with your manager by showing a keen interest in doing well in your new position, it also shows initiative and eagerness to succeed.
Don’t guess what to do because you are afraid to ask questions, no one expects you to be a pro on your first day. The key is to frame your query by linking what you have learnt to the bigger picture. Rather than asking ‘how do I do this again?’, frame your question to sound confident, for example, “Based on the training we did together, you mentioned steps A and B. What I am confused about is step C. From my understanding I must (insert relevant information), am I on the right track?”
By first explaining your current understanding of the topic and seeking clarification, it shows that despite not quite grasping the concept or skill yet, you have been actively listening and are genuinely giving the task your best attempt.
When provided with answers, ensure you are actively listening and memorising the response in whatever learning style suits you best, so you don’t have to ask twice. Actively listening to your colleagues helps reduce misunderstandings, increases performance and shows you are interested thus helping develop a positive impression and impact on your co-workers.
Asking questions is vital to making an impact in your new job but equally important is showing the initiative to do your own research. Before commencing your new job, take the time to learn about your position and the organisation so you can lay the groundwork for a smooth start before your first day.

Manage your time efficiently

When starting a new job, it is not long before projects pile up and deadlines loom. It is crucial to implement good time management practices from day one to keep ahead of the game and display your efficiency. Techniques such as maintaining daily to-do lists, setting priorities and scheduling blocks of time to complete tasks are effective means at managing your time.
To build confidence and make an impact in your new workplace, set yourself a small, achievable daily goal and accomplish it. Not only will this help manage time, but it will also lay the foundations for you to make a bigger impact within your company as you have already mastered the small things early on.
Take some time to identify and reflect on your strengths and weakness in the workplace. Utilise your strengths to excel in your work and to assist others where you can. Reflect on your weaknesses to determine what areas you need to improve on and work towards achieving them. Above all, know your learning style (e.g., a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learner). By integrating your preferred learning styles into your work, you will find it easier to achieve your goals, absorb new information and improve the impact of your work.

Be assertive

If you are wanting to make an impact and feel confident in your knowledge, speak up in meetings or to your colleagues. Sharing what you know shows initiative and leadership. Being supportive and finding constructive ways to relay solutions to problems shows you can improve business operations and helps you stand out as a capable and valuable employee.
Having the confidence to share your knowledge is great but going out of your way to learning how your new colleagues work together and communicate and then taking that on board before you begin to communicate your ideas shows excellent initiative and helps develop positive workplace relations.
Go the extra mile and take the initiative to accomplish tasks without the need to be asked. If you have the time outside of your usual tasks, try to do at least one thing extra a day that no one asked you to do, your efforts will not go unnoticed. If you are unsure of what to do next, be proactive and communicative with your manager, let them know you have completed your tasks and ask what you can do for them next. Going the extra mile contributes to making a lasting, impressionable impact.

If you are prepared to put yourself out there, do your research before starting, show a strong willingness to learn, and develop workplace relations where others know they can trust and rely on you. Be punctual, positive, energetic and communicative, you will leave your mark and make that lasting impact in your new workplace.