5 tips to make a good impression at work

Securing a job is only one step in the right direction. After a successful job interview, the new employee will be concerned about making a good impression with their colleagues. Will they fit in? Will they be well liked? All of these issues can run through a person's mind when they first start out.

1. Arrive on time.

Good first impressions count when going along to a job interview. But they also count when starting the job. New employees will make a good impression if they arrive at work on time. People who are habitually late do not set a good example.

Other colleagues can feel resentful of people who are late, but are still paid the same as them. This can be avoided if new employees get to work on time and leave on time, rather than early.

2. Breaks.

Do not take too many breaks at work. If you only have one 15 minute break each day, do not abuse the system and take a 30 minute break. This applies for smokers and non-smokers alike. People who take too many breaks are perceived to be lazy, selfish and inconsiderate.

This will not bode well with other colleagues and management will not be pleased to hear of employees who waste their time.

3. Eat lunch with other colleagues.

Are you used to visiting a drive through restaurant at lunchtime and then eating lunch off your lap in front of the computer? If so, you can still break this habit and join other colleagues in the break room and eat lunch alongside them.

This will give you the opportunity to relax and get to know the other people you work with. Ask them about themselves and show an interest. Before long, you will have a good working relationship with your colleagues.

4. Be friendly.

Even naturally shy people can make a good impression at work by being friendly toward their new colleagues. A simple smile and greeting each day can open up the way for more meaningful conversation later on.

It also helps to make the work environment more relaxed and friendly. That does not mean that everyone needs to become your friend. There is a difference between being friendly and expecting your job to provide you with a new circle of friends. It will not always happen. That is why it is a good idea to look elsewhere for friends.

5. Be positive.

No one likes to listen to a negative person at work. Even if you have had a bad day, try to speak in an up building and positive manner, rather than grumbling to other colleagues. A negative person will not fare too well at work and will often be avoided.

People have enough personal concerns to deal with without having to listen to someone at work making them even more miserable. Employees who are successful at making a good impression at work are a pleasure to work with and are more popular and well liked by their colleagues.

It is so much easier to work with friendly, diligent people than it is to be around those who are anti-social and negative. When you work with good colleagues going to work each day is more of a joy than it is a chore.

Taken from: voices.yahoo.com (article, By Sophie Spyrou), Google (images).