Learning to fly

[mshahadat]

Making good first impressions are an integral part of our lives. Be that in class, or when landing a prospective date. Nowhere does the ability to make that necessary impact of a great first impression come in handy than it does at work. Especially a new job. After a lengthy student life, starting a job may seem like a desirable end point but it actually is just another beginning. The reason why a first impression is so important is because it’s hardwired in the human brain to assess a person within about the first 30 seconds of meeting them. Here are some ways to make a good mark in the work place during the early ‘just-hired’ days.

Let the beginning be on a high note
For the new employee, the best he or she can do to make an early mark and to solidify their spot in the organization is to win the management over. A good reputation and rapport cannot be built overnight, it does take a while but with certain gears set in motion early on can achieve good momentum along the way in the nick of time. For a good first impression, some small but necessary requirements are to be relaxed, comfortable and confident. It’s better than appearing nervous. Being well dressed and having a firm handshake also exudes a polished and assertive personality.


Follow the four P’s
Be polite, be polished, be punctual, and be presentable. These may not seem as important as job skills but employees who exhibit such virtues always command a preference over those who don’t. Take notes of everything and try to use proper grammar while communicating, both Bangla and English.

It’s never too late to set yourself apart
The new employee can make his mark by going all hands on deck from day one by bringing his ideas to the table from the very first meeting. He has to speak out and make himself heard (as required). Ideas are best presented with more people around if one doesn’t want a sole listener eventually hogging the credit. It’s always best to jump right in rather than take the back seat the first few days.

Get around and get by
Build yourself a circle of peers. You need to have a good eye to filter out the office politicians. Try picking people you can learn from. People will be more willing to forgive you of a mistake or two if they generally like you, so this is a powerful tool. Get a sense of the company culture. A good social environment can provide a drive to work harder. You can also learn the ins and outs and the ups and downs of working in the organization. Small talk can go a long way.

Work hard and seek challenges
Always show an affiliation for work. Arrive early, stay late, work through lunch, double check your work and keep focused. Once people know you have a positive reputation and a thirst for work, then you can feel at ease among your co-workers. Try to get more out of fewer hours. In order to develop in any organization, you need to ask to take on more work, offer new ideas or solutions, and show that you are thinking proactively about how to better the organization. If you offer new ideas too early, you risk appearing as though you “know better than anyone else,” without really understanding the company. So do so but gradually although not too slow!

Try winning the management over
Your job is, after all, to help them make theirs easier. Put yourself in their radar by helping them out whenever possible with things they need. The more they appreciate you for your efforts, the more likely they will look out for you when you need it.

Be vocal
Voice your concerns and wants and needs whenever you have to. Do not shy away. Be vocal be articulate. Speak out whenever necessary. Whenever you feel things could be improved, such as the chairs, or your salary, ask for it.

Be open to criticism
This is probably the biggest challenge. Staying positive towards constructive criticism seems to be impossible for a lot of people. They make a big deal out of it instead. Always be up for feedback and use criticism to help improve yourself. Ask for it from experienced co-workers who know their way around and can help you find yours. Learning is a never ending process and in this day and age, a penchant for learning constantly is a prized virtue.

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