By: Sabrina C. Spitznagle, Principal & Founder at Loop Legal Search
Chicago Legal Recruiters – Your Recruiting Connection
Even in today’s digital age, the old saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” still holds true. In fact, people likely already have formed an opinion of you before even meeting you in person. And, fortunately or unfortunately, it is human nature for people to make a judgment about you based on their first impression. Once someone makes up their mind about the type of person you are, it can be very difficult to change their opinion, which could significantly affect your long-term career success (positively or negatively).
Follow these tips to make a great first impression and not only start your new job off on the right foot, but also set your career path on the right trajectory.
1. CLEAN UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that people at work are not googling you. They are. So, even before you step foot in your new office, make sure that whatever you have on your social media (at least on the public pages) is something that you are comfortable with your new bosses and colleagues seeing. Google yourself to confirm what everyone else can see.
2. ARRIVE EARLY, HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY.
On your first day, set your alarm at least 30 minutes earlier than you think is necessary, and leave your house at least 30 minutes earlier than you think is necessary as well. Establish yourself as organized, hard-working, and someone people want to be around by arriving early and with a positive attitude (smile, be friendly, and show that you are excited to be there!). Dress professionally and conservatively – at least until people have gotten to know you because fair or not, people judge you on how you look. Even if the dress code is more casual, it never hurts to err on the more professional side of casual to ensure that you make the right first impression.
3. DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL, ASK EDUCATED QUESTIONS, AND TURN IN ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME.
Never reinvent the wheel. Before starting any assignment, search your new firm’s or company’s system to find something similar (ideally written recently and by your assigning attorney). Use that format and writing style for this assignment – you know they like it! Ask your assigning attorney questions to make sure you are on the right track. While you don’t want to ask so many questions that you are annoying, it is always better to ask educated questions as you are working on a project, than to turn in a disappointing first assignment. No matter what – stay up all night if you have to – do NOT turn in assignments late. If the deadline is simply impossible, make sure you are communicating with your assigning attorney. No pressure, but you really want to knock it out of the park on your first assignment. If you are able to do this, you will gain so much good-will that the extra effort will more than pay off in the long run.
4. PROOFREAD EVERYTHING.
For at least the first month at your new job (and maybe longer!), proofread, proofread, and proofread again every single assignment that you do and email that you send so you do not have any typos or grammatical errors. You want to show your new bosses that you pay close attention to detail and can be trusted. Similarly, review every voicemail that you leave to make sure you sound articulate and have the right tone.
5. BE NICE TO YOUR SECRETARY AND THE OFFICE STAFF.
Your secretary and the rest of the office staff truly can make or break your career. So, be nice to them, treat them with respect, and don’t take them for granted! Bring your secretary coffee or something else he or she might like in the first week or two.
6. INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND SHOW INITIATIVE.
Don’t wait for your colleagues to invite you to lunch – take the initiative and invite them first. This might be a bit uncomfortable, but it is really important to develop relationships with your co-workers and will serve you well in the long term. Likewise, don’t wait for assignments to come to you – find them and volunteer to jump in on projects.