There is a saying that it only takes a few seconds for someone to judge you based on your body language, actions, and words. And once someone has formed their impression of you it can be quite hard to change this. That’s why it is so important to always make a good first impression. When you start a new job, it’s vital to make a great impression on your new colleagues. After all, they are the people you will be spending most of your time with while you are at work. So, how do you make a good impression on your colleagues in your new English-speaking workplace? Being friendly is a good start and these English expressions will help you go further in making a great impression on your new English-speaking colleagues. In this article, we will give you advice on how to make a great first impression at work and what phrases to use for your first day at work.
Four things to think about on your first day at work:
- Confidence, confidence, confidence: We cannot stress this first advice enough. A good confidence is vital when meeting new people. Each person has their own level of confidence and while it’s quite hard to maintain good confidence on your first day at work when you’re surely quite nervous, there are some things that you should try to have in mind when you meet your new colleagues. When you beam with good confidence, other people will feel comfortable around you. But how do other people notice your good confidence? Have in mind your body language and posture when trying to make a good first impression. A good body language is for example a steady handshake, relaxed facial impression, arms unfolded and keeping a good eye contact with the people you speak with. It’s okay to be nervous, but also try to be happy and relaxed, after all they chose you for the position, so do not worry too much!
- Dress appropriately: Every office place has its own dress code. So, the best thing you can do is to ask your manager before your first day what your office dress code is. Dress to impress on your first day or even on your first week at the office. You want to give the impression of professionalism on your first day, so remember to dress appropriately and professionally when meeting your new colleagues.
- Be on time: It’s your first day at work and one of the more important things is to be on time! Since it’s your first day, things can go wrong on the way to work. This is a new route that you haven’t taken before so you might not be aware of the possible delays and traffic jams that might occur on this new route. Be well prepared for possible delays in traffic or getting lost on your first walk to work. Arriving early and prepared is better then showing up stressed and sweaty for your first day at work.
- Smile: Don’t forget to smile! There is nothing like a contagious great smile. This is something that will help you when making a good first impression. A confident smile will be remembered and will make others feel happy around you.
Phrases to use on your first day at work to make a good first impression:
1. Would you like a hand with that?
Helping people put is always a good way to impress. Offer to help by saying “Would you like a hand with that” if it looks like a colleague is struggling with too much work.
2. Could I have your advice on this?
People are always flattered when they are treated as experts. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and make sure you let people know that you value their opinions?
3. I’ll get right on it
If you can start working on a task immediately, let your colleagues know by saying “I’ll get right on it.” Make sure to only use this phrase if you do actually intend to do the task right away – nobody likes to be kept waiting.
4. It’s great to meet you / It’s a pleasure to meet you
If you meet a new colleague working at a similar level in the company to you, say “It’s great to meet you!” the first time you meet him or her. If you meet someone more senior than you, use the more formal “It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
5. I’m looking forward to working together
This is a particularly useful expression for emails and letters. When you start a project with a new colleague or a client, adding “I’m looking forward to working with you on this project” near the end of your email shows respect and that you are keen to get on well together.
6. That sounds like a plan
A nice informal expression to use when one of your colleagues has a good idea about how to do something. If you want to sound even more enthusiastic, you could say “That sounds like a great plan!”
7. Let’s put our heads/minds together
If you think it would be a good idea to work closely with a colleague to solve a problem, you can say “Let’s put our heads/minds together to solve this.” Sometimes, people also say “Two heads are better than one.” This means that it’s better to work together than alone.
8. Let’s get this done
When you are ready to start working on something, you can use a casual expression like “Let’s do this!” or “Let’s get this done!” to encourage your team and colleagues to get started.
Try using these phrases with your English-speaking colleagues and make a note of the expressions they use and you will make a great impression in your next English-speaking workplace.
Article Related: 5 Business English expressions to get you one step ahead of your English boss
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