3 Easy Ways to Impress Your New Boss
The following is a guest post by Irene Huhulea, senior editor at WayUp. Her bio follows.
Whether it’s an internship, a part-time job or your first job out of college, there are several things you can do to ensure that you’re starting off on the right foot with your boss. From asking questions to collaborating with team members, showing that you’re engaged and enthusiastic will go a long way toward showing your boss that you’re excited about your job and eager to add value.
Not sure where to start? Here are three things you can do to impress your new boss (and everyone else too).
1. Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially during your first few weeks. Asking questions is a key part of the learning process — it shows that you’re passionate about your role and excited to ramp up quickly and efficiently. A good way to approach this is to ask at least one question about any project you’re given. This will help you figure out the best approach to take and also help you see what other information you might need to get the job done.
Pro Tip: Although asking questions is a great way to learn, it’s important to do your own research first. If the answer to your question is something that you can easily Google or learn about on the company website, do your due diligence before asking your boss for help.
2. Be a team player
Few qualities are as important in an employee as the ability to be a team player. Collaborating with your co-workers is a great way to demonstrate your ability to do this and to show your boss that you’re willing to pitch in and help our wherever necessary. Being a team player will also give your boss a sense of how you handle tasks outside of your defined role and help them identify potential growth opportunities for you. .
Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Offer to help your projects with co-workers that match your skill set. They’ll appreciate the help and you’ll get a chance to grow your existing skills.
3. Ask for feedback
One of the keys to being successful in any job is asking for feedback and it’s also a great way to impress your boss. Set up a meeting with them to ask about their expectations and the goals they have for you. This will help you understand their biggest needs and come up with a plan for meeting them.
Pro Tip: Prepare a list of questions to ask and take notes during the meeting. These should include things like: What do you expect of me? How will my performance be measured? Once you have a strong grasp of what your boss is looking for, focus your efforts on meeting those expectations. If you really want to impress, come to your next meeting prepared to show progress.
Whether it’s your first internship or your first full-time job, starting a new job can be a bit nerve-wracking. By following these steps, you’ll be sure to put your best foot forward and make a positive impression.
Irene Huhulea And WayUp
Irene is Senior Editor at WayUp, the largest community connecting college students and recent grads with job and internship opportunities. A former academic with a passion for helping students succeed, she makes sure WayUp’s community has access to in-depth college and career advice. In her spare time, she can be found running, brunching and watching Westworld.
