8 tips to introduce yourself well at work
There are some things that are obvious to make a good impression, like arriving on time and wearing the right clothes to work. Unless you start your job remotely, that’s rather exceptional. Then, whether you’re in the office or working remotely, there are things you shouldn’t neglect. In fact, it’s all about attitude 😎!
1. Think about your attitude first!
This is what makes the biggest difference. If you start your first day unmotivated and with a long, grumpy face, it’s hard to spread the good vibes to others around 😅. Even when you’re an introvert like me, you have to tell yourself that you’re a newcomer and that you need to inspire confidence. We need to be personable, smile if possible, and show interest in adapting to the codes and values of our new company.
2. Combat your stress
Smiling on the outside is good, but it’s not everything 😬. In fact, non-verbal communication can betray our stress: shaking hands, excessive sweating, clumsiness, breathless voice, etc. So it’s best to reduce your stress so that you really feel calm, and it’s not just a facade 🧘♀️. Breathing exercises help to calm a stressful blow, but don’t forget to work on your self-confidence. Get rid of your impostor syndrome and go for it!
3. Make a strategic presentation
It’s not necessarily something you think about, but you need to present yourself strategically 👀! In other words, don’t go to a department that has nothing to do with your own, to begin with. Of course, it depends on the size of the company, but you need to keep in mind that you should approach the colleagues you’re going to work with directly.
This way, you avoid wasting half an hour going around all the departments and not being on time at your post. That would make a bad impression on the people who are going to see you every day 😉!
4. Keep your presentation short and natural
It isn’t a good idea to go straight to your workstation on your first day. You shouldn’t hesitate to approach your colleagues and introduce yourself by saying, at least:
- 👉 Your first name,
- 👉 Your new position within the company.
If the other person doesn’t introduce themselves, you can also ask them for this information. If you have a good memory, try to remember their first names to integrate yourself as quickly as possible into the company! This is when you can start and deepen conversations. And if you’re worried about not knowing how to exchange, we have some tips on how to have a conversation 💬!
5. Ask questions
The first day is a time of discovery, both of colleagues and of our tasks and work tools. It’s therefore normal not to know everything and to ask questions. I used to be afraid of disturbing people, but one day I was told that this was a false belief. It’s better to ask than to stay in the dark and make mistakes 🙊.
Plus, it can be a way to bond with colleagues, asking for their help and going deeper into the presentation. On the other hand, you need to be careful to be an active listener so as not to ask the same question several times! Furthermore, it’s a sign of respect 🤗.
6. Find out about customs
If you don’t dare to suggest having lunch together, you can always take advantage of the break at the coffee machine to have an informal chat. This is a way of learning about individual habits, but also about those of the company! Yes, it’s a separate entity with its own way of working, depending on the individuals who make it up. So, take advantage of this to ask:
- the working hours (it avoids you arriving at 8.30 am when everyone else starts at 10 am),
- the management style (horizontal or vertical, to know whether the atmosphere is more relaxed),
- the pace of work (to know if there are regular breaks or if this is frowned upon),
- and any other information that may be useful...
7. Forget about becoming too friendly and criticism
A good presentation means you don’t behave like you would with friends or family. Yes, you want to connect with your colleagues and manager, but you should be careful not to be too familiar. For example, avoid showing off about your private life and problems and don’t ask indiscreet questions 🤐. You also have to be careful about how you address people at work, not everyone is informal!
Also, keep in mind that negative criticism has no place in this introduction. So avoid talking badly about your former company, or even worse, the new one 😅! You don’t know them, so you don’t know what they’ll say afterward. Maybe you’ll end up with a real bond of trust with a solid friendship, there are some who have best friends at work, but at the beginning, caution is the order of the day.
8. Assume that everything will be new
For a long time, I was someone who was set in my ways and found it hard to get out of my comfort zone. As a result, having a new job terrified me, especially the whole “introduction” and “being new” thing. It’s true that it can be unsettling to arrive at a new company, especially if it’s a career change. Nevertheless, I believe that you need to accept and hold on to the positive in order to move forward. This way, you’ll be boosted, and you’ll want to give your best, which will undoubtedly hit the mark 😉!
Editor’s note: Practice!Starting a new job is stressful and exciting, but rest assured, thanks to Camille’s advice, you have everything you need to make a good impression on your first day. Introducing yourself, and talking about yourself, it’s not an easy exercise, but it’s important, so you can measure the progress you’ve made and assume your skills. Don’t hesitate to practice and prepare your presentation speech the day before. And if your professional life is complicated, if you feel that you aren’t finding your place, that you aren’t recognized, or that you aren’t on the right track, don’t hesitate to contact one of our coaches to take stock of the situation. 🤗 Understanding yourself, accepting yourself, being happy... It’s here and now! #BornToBeMe |
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