Making a good impression in a new job

1 hour ago7 min read2 comments

That first day walking into a new office carries a particular kind of electricity, a mix of exhilaration and sheer terror that sits right in the pit of your stomach. You’re not just a new employee; you’re a character stepping into an established narrative, a story with its own history, inside jokes, and unspoken rules that have been written long before you arrived.I’ve spoken with dozens of people about this transition, from fresh-faced graduates to seasoned executives, and the universal truth that emerges isn't about immediately revolutionizing the workflow or landing a massive client. It’s about something far more subtle and human: demonstrating how you work, not just what you can accomplish.Think of it as a prolonged, unspoken interview where your new colleagues are subconsciously asking, 'Is this someone I can trust? Is this someone I want to work with?' The answer is forged not in grand gestures, but in the small, daily rituals of interaction. It begins with the art of listening, truly listening, which is a far cry from simply waiting for your turn to talk.When you enter a meeting with the intent to impress, your brain is already drafting your next comment, filtering the conversation through the lens of what you can add. But when you enter to learn, you become a sponge, absorbing the nuances—the way certain colleagues build on each other's ideas, the unacknowledged influencers who shape opinions without a title, the specific jargon that acts as a cultural shorthand.This initial period of observation is your most valuable asset; it’s the foundational research for every successful relationship you will build there. Curiosity is your greatest ally here.There’s a natural, almost primal, urge to prove your worth by showcasing your knowledge, to dismiss a piece of advice with a quick 'I know. ' Resist it.The most impressive new hires I’ve interviewed are those who lean into their ignorance, who stop a conversation to ask, 'What does that acronym mean?' or 'Can you help me understand why we approach it that way?' This does not signal weakness; it broadcasts a confident humility and a genuine desire to integrate into the existing ecosystem. It tells people you respect their institutional knowledge.And then, inevitably, comes the first mistake. You’ll misinterpret an instruction, send an email to the wrong thread, or fumble a new software platform.The instinct is to cover it up, to quietly fix it and hope no one notices. But the real test of character is how you handle these stumbles.Immediately admitting a mistake to a supervisor feels counterintuitive, like you’re highlighting a flaw. Yet, the paradox, as one HR director explained to me, is that this act is a powerful trust-builder.It demonstrates accountability, situational awareness, and a commitment to the team’s success over your own ego. It shows you are paying attention to the outcomes of your actions.This leads directly into being trainable and correctable. When someone offers you feedback, whether on a minor task or a strategic suggestion, your response sets a precedent.Graciously accepting critique, even when you privately disagree, creates an atmosphere of psychological safety around you. It encourages others to continue offering their insights, effectively making your entire team your mentors.This is especially critical for those in leadership roles; by actively asking for pushback and admitting your own blind spots early on, you dismantle hierarchies of deference and foster a culture of productive disagreement. Ultimately, making a good impression is a continuous, relational process. It’s about showing up as a collaborative, curious, and fallible human being who is eager to learn and contribute to the collective story, ensuring that the chapter you’re writing is one everyone wants to read.

#career advice

#new job

#workplace skills

#professional development

#listening

#curiosity

#featured