How can you look confident in your first job?

If you’ve never had a job before, or if you have been recently hired, it can be hard to get to know what you’re supposed to do and how you’re supposed to act. First impressions are important, and when you begin work you have a vital – window of opportunity. It’s a chance to start off on the right foot and build from there, whereas a negative start can affect progression.

Here are few tips for getting it right:

Be punctual and well presented – Once you’re settled in, prioritise punctuality, dress sense and language. On your first day you need to be acting almost as you did in your interview. Create a good impression and never look like you don’t want to be there.

Don’t try too hard – If you’re very confident, you might want to try and impress your new workmates by being authoritative or by sharing your ideas openly. Try not to do this as you’ll have time later on and you won’t be expected to come into a new situation and have all the answers.

Ask questions – If you’re given a job, do it as well as you can and never be afraid to ask questions. Better to ask a question than sit silently hoping that what you need to know will turn up.

Be part of the team – Let your enthusiasm for being part of the team show to everyone you interact with. Being a part of the set-up shows you want to be there and you like the people you’re working with.

You are now part of a team, and teams work together to solve problems and get the job done. That said, on your first day, you should never try to guess the group or team culture. You need to find this out slowly.

Remember, it is your willingness to be part of the team, rather than your attempts to be part of the team, that counts.

So in conclusion you have everything to gain and if you aren’t afraid, and you aim to be positive, you’ll be a winner without even having to do too much. It’s not easy to get a job in this tough economy. So when you get it make the most of it and be positive at all times. If you haven’t got a job at the moment, or you’re unhappy about the one you are in now, click here to apply for our latest job vacancies.