So you want to make a great impression at work, this article offers you five great ways to do so. However, this article is not only about making a great impression; it’s also about embodying that impression. By simultaneously using the five keys below, you will not only get noticed as a top-notch employee, but you will actually become a better employee and/or boss.
Making a great impression on the job is both an important and worthy goal. Why is it so important? Because companies and bosses will usually promote, help, and retain employees who make favorable impressions.
Here are five ways that you can make a great impression at work:
- Come Early or Leave Late
Try to consistently arrive at work 15 minutes early, or leave 15 minutes late. What are the benefits? You will have more time to accomplish more work. In addition, people will actually begin to believe that you’re a hard worker.
People who work just a little later, or come in just a little earlier, are perceived to be more dedicated, loyal and concerned (even if they’re not); perception really is reality. Working just a few minutes more a day sends a silent positive message to all of your co-workers that you’re a dedicated employee.
“Everything you do sends a message.”
Just an additional 15 minutes is often enough to make you the first person to arrive in your department, or the last person to leave. With this additional time you can organize your day, or plan your tomorrow.When trying to make a great impression at work, this is a great first tip as long as you use the extra time productively.
- Dress to Impress Everyday
Image is everything; people see who you are before they hear who you are. People in general, right or wrong, assign more positive traits to a person who has a neat and clean appearance than a person who has a sloppy appearance. People who dress to impress are assumed to more intelligent, astute, and judicious (even if they’re not).
It’s important that you “package” yourself for where you want to go. If you’re trying to become a manager in your department, and all of the manager’s where sports coats or pantsuits, then you should probably do the same. Give the impression that you’re already “one of them,” and you’re just being underpaid.
In addition, dressing your best helps you to feel your best, and when you feel your best, you will perform at your best.
- Keep an Organized To-Do List and Office
Always keep “order” around everything you do. Order means the accurate arrangement of things.
Organize your “to-do” lists in a way that gives your most important task your greatest and best attention. Let your employer know that you’re organized and that you always prioritize. An organized and prioritized “to-do” lists will help ensure that you never miss a meeting, task, or deadline.
In addition, be sure to keep your office tidy (but not so tidy that it looks like you’re not busy). An organized desk represents an organized person. A messy desk represents…well, you know. Keep your area presentable, this will go along way in giving you a great impression at work. Remember, everything you do, sends a message.
- Get Educated
What certifications and degrees do the supervisors and managers have where you’re employed? Find out how you can get those same certifications; some certifications are relatively easy to attain, I recommend you get those first.
You’ll have to go back to school in order to get a degree, but if you’re looking to move forward it’s best to strategically position yourself sooner rather than later.
Once again, the more certifications and degrees you have the more intelligent you will be perceived, so if you want to make a great impression and increase your chances of getting promoted, be sure to get educated.
- Become the Boss’s Right-Hand Man/Woman
Every boss wants a protégé, or at least an assistant. Try to become the right-hand man or woman; find out what your boss needs and wants. No, I am not talking about getting coffee, I’m talking about the needs they may have as it pertains to the business. If they need a strategic thinker, try to be one, etc.
You will only be rewarded in this life for the problems that you solve for others. Discover the “work related problems” your boss is encountering and come up with ways to solve those problems.
These problems could be quite simplistic, but determine to make your boss’s job easier. Even if you’re an executive, with a high six-figure salary, if your boss needs a “copy” of a document, and you’re the only one around, it’s probably a good idea to help him or her out.
Get involved in special projects, go outside of your basic job responsibilities and make a difference in your group or department. Leaders are always needed; find out how you can make a difference. Be the change you want to see on your job.
- Special Bonus: Be Positive
Your attitude really does determine your altitude. People like hanging around positive, high-energy individuals, so be sure to always see the glass as half-full, this will certainly benefit you on your job.
In conclusion, be sure to implement the steps above, they will not only help you make a great impression, but they will help you be your best.
Finally, don’t wait for someone to come tap-you-on-your-shoulder and tell you that it’s time for you to be promoted, decide to take charge of your career, let people know what your plans are, find out the requirements needed to get where you’re going, get others involved in helping you attain these requirements, and soon you will be on your way to being where you want to be.
Success comes to those who plan it, so plan your success today. Thank you for reading, and please feel free to add some additional tips below.
 | Written on 10/22/2009 by Mr. Self Development who is a motivational author that offers a practical guide to success and wealth; support him by visiting his blog at mrselfdevelopment.com. . | Photo Credit: L-plate big cheese |
