You’ve just landed a new job and you’re eager to start. Congratulations! But before you dive into your new role, you need to make sure you’re prepared to make the best first impression on your new boss and colleagues. Here are some tips to help you negotiate your salary, manage your deadlines, and communicate effectively in your new workplace.
One of the most important aspects of starting a new job is negotiating your salary. You don’t want to sell yourself short or seem greedy, so you need to do some research and be confident. Find out the market rate for your position and skills, and compare it with the offer you received. If you think you deserve more, prepare a list of reasons why, such as your qualifications, experience, achievements, and value. Then, practice your pitch and be ready to negotiate with your new employer. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, but also be flexible and respectful.
Always ask for something more. If not salary, negotiate PTO, benefits, etc. This is the time to do it because once you're in the job, it's increasingly tougher to do. Don't think about being greedy. If the salary is below the market for someone like you, make sure you get what you deserve.
Another key factor that will influence your first impression is how you manage your deadlines. You want to show that you’re reliable, efficient, and organized, so you need to plan your work and prioritize your tasks. Use a calendar, a planner, or a software tool to keep track of your deadlines and communicate them with your boss and team. If you have multiple projects or assignments, break them down into smaller steps and set realistic goals. If you encounter any problems or delays, inform your manager as soon as possible and propose solutions. Don’t procrastinate or overcommit, and always deliver quality work on time.
Demonstrate your willingness to take initiative and contribute to the team. Look for opportunities to offer assistance, take on additional responsibilities, or suggest improvements.
Communication is essential for any successful job, especially when you’re new. You need to establish rapport, trust, and respect with your new boss and colleagues, so you need to communicate effectively. Be clear, concise, and courteous in your verbal and written communication. Listen actively, ask questions, and provide feedback. Avoid jargon, slang, or inappropriate language. Adapt your communication style to different situations and audiences. For example, use formal language for reports and presentations, and informal language for casual chats and emails. Also, be aware of your body language and tone of voice, and use them to convey confidence and enthusiasm.
Communicate clearly and professionally with your colleagues and supervisors. Practice active listening and seek feedback to ensure you understand expectations and requirements.
You don't have to be an extrovert to be a great communicator. In fact, I've seen many introverts who are the best communicators because they know exactly what they need to say, and they say it well. This goes for both verbal and written communication. If you excel at one over the other, try to use that one method more than with the other. Finally, always know who your audience is. What you say and how you say it can change depending on who you are communicating with. Always keep that in mind.
Every workplace has its own culture, norms, and values, and you need to learn them as quickly as possible. You don’t want to offend anyone or break any rules, so you need to observe and adapt. Pay attention to how people dress, behave, interact, and work in your new environment. Follow the dress code, the etiquette, and the policies of your new organization. Respect the hierarchy, the roles, and the responsibilities of your new colleagues. Join the social activities, the events, and the meetings that are relevant to your job. Show interest, curiosity, and appreciation for the culture and the people.
Participate in company events, team-building activities, and social gatherings. This provides opportunities to connect with colleagues in a more informal setting and gain a deeper understanding of the company's culture.
One of the best ways to improve your performance and make a good impression is to seek feedback. You want to know how you’re doing, what you’re doing well, and what you can do better, so you need to ask for feedback. Don’t wait for your formal performance review, but seek feedback regularly and proactively. Ask your boss, your peers, and your clients for constructive and specific feedback on your work, your skills, and your behavior. Listen to their opinions, thank them, and act on their suggestions. Don’t take feedback personally or defensively, but use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Always seek feedback. You can get feedback both at levels above and below your current. Even the president and CEO probably seeks feedback from his direct reports and others. If there is ever a doubt, make sure that you ask the question. It's better to learn early that something you are doing isn't working or going over well with the people you are working with, the longer it goes the harder it gets to change and have with the new behavior become acceptable.
Finally, the most important tip to make a good first impression is to be yourself. You don’t want to pretend to be someone you’re not or hide your personality, so you need to be authentic and genuine. Show your strengths, your passions, and your values, but also acknowledge your weaknesses, your mistakes, and your challenges. Be honest, humble, and respectful, but also assertive, confident, and positive. Don’t be afraid to express your opinions, your ideas, and your emotions, but also respect the opinions, the ideas, and the emotions of others. Be yourself, but also be professional and respectful.
It's always important to be yourself. That doesn't mean that you can't continually work on areas that you may be weak at such as communication confidence assertiveness etcetera. You will learn what's acceptable behavior as you start to fit in working in the new company. One important recommendation I give to my clients is that they should always have an opinion. Right, wrong, or indifferent, having a voice and speaking up is important for others to see you as a valuable addition to the company.