A clean slate: the workplace and first impressions

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and rectify the many mistakes you’ve made over the years? I never would have gotten that perm, dated Stewart from home room, or painted my first house various shades of red. And then there are the bigger things that would be nice to change--start saving money for retirement at 18, get a fixed-rate loan instead of an ARM, spend more time with family, etc.

Of course we can’t go back in time and start over, but we are given the chance to start fresh every time we meet someone new. Such opportunities are called first impressions and they are valuable indeed--particularly in the workplace. Starting a new job has its own set of challenges, but it also has a unique benefit of allowing you a clean slate. Your new boss and coworkers are eager to get to know you, so here are a few ways you can help shape the experience into something positive and helpful for your career.

You’ve heard it before, but it’s important enough to be said again: dressing professionally is crucial. By doing so, you are inadvertently telling your boss and coworkers that you respect them, your job, and the company. Before you even say hello, people are already beginning to form their first impression of you, they can’t help it. Knowing this to be true, it’s a good idea to dress accordingly.

It’s also important to stay off your cell phone, which means no calling or texting. If you’re on break or lunch, then that’s a different story. This is especially important when first starting a job, because you haven’t been around long enough to learn company policy.

Avoiding self-absorbed communication is also a good idea. We’ve all met that person, the one who constantly talks about their kids, their spouse, their job, their busy life—pretty much anything and everything relating to, well, them. Now, it’s not bad to talk a about yourself--after all, you’re new and your coworkers are going to be curious about you--but make sure you are just as interested in learning about them. Balance is the key.

Hopefully these tips will help you make the most of your opportunity. Enjoy the clean slate and be intentional about setting yourself up for success.