When you want to start your new job off on the right foot, that usually involves making a positive impression. As a new hire, you’ll spend much of your first few days meeting new people, including your coworkers, upper managers, and colleagues in different departments.

While being introduced to so many new faces can be intimidating, there are simple things you can do to boost your reputation with every encounter. If you aren’t sure how to begin, here are some tips that can help you shine at your new job.

While it may seem inconsequential on the surface, asking people how they are doing (including your boss) can help you build a rapport. It makes people feel noticed and that you are interested in them, establishing a positive association. Plus, you may incidentally encourage them to open up, allowing you to learn details that you might have missed out on otherwise, including opportunities where you can get involved in new areas.

Essentially, asking someone how they are doing is a very simple gesture, but it has the potential to reap large dividends. Make it a habit to ask whenever you see someone for the first time each day, as it can help you make a good impression.

When you first start your new job, your manager might not know for certain how much work you can handle. After all, every position comes with a learning curve, so they may be conservative when it comes to doling out tasks.

If you are finishing your assigned duties and have time available, don’t just sit around and wait for your next assignment. Instead, approach your manager and ask what you can take off their plate. If they need an extra set of hands, they may appreciate you asking. And, if not, they will still remember that you were actively seeking to take on more.

You can also approach your teammates and offer help if your manager doesn’t have an assignment for you. Even something as simple as handling someone else’s filing when you have a few spare minutes will likely be appreciated, and it lets them know that you are a team player who wants to chip in when you can.

When you initially meet with your manager, ask them if there are any goals that they have for you and the role over the next month, quarter, or even year. This allows you to find out information that can help you align your priorities with your manager, the team, and the company, and also shows that you are concerned about the long-term.

In some cases, your manager might not know right away, or their only goals for you may be short-term, like getting you effectively onboarded or trained on proprietary software. If that is the case, you can ask them what their professional goals are for themselves over the next year and, if they answer, use that to help gauge your priorities.

By using the tips above, you can start your job off on the right foot, increasing your odds that you will be successful in the position. If you would like to learn more about making a good first impression in your new role, or are looking for new Mississippi jobs, the team at TempStaff can help. Contact us with your questions today and see how our workplace expertise can benefit you.