My Unexpected Journey into the World of Work
When I first stepped into the working world at the tender age of 15, it wasn't out of choice but necessity. I was too young to be legally employed, a secret shared only between my boss and me. To keep my real age under wraps, I had to pull off quite the charade, pretending to be over 18 and donning a mascot costume that concealed my identity. It's safe to say I became quite the expert in the art of disguise.
I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. Nervous because the fear of being discovered always loomed over me, but excited at the prospect of independence. I felt oddly grown-up, even though my mom and dad still had to drop me off and pick me up. Fast forward 17 years, and here I am: a pregnant, work-from-home mom, chasing after a mischievous toddler while attempting to maintain a professional façade in the virtual work world.
In my 17-year journey, I've found myself in some of the most awkward and challenging work settings. I've been the youngest in a room filled with middle-aged men, the only sober individual amidst a crowd of decision-makers deep into their cups, and the youngest Team Lead navigating a sea of indignant know-it-alls. Through these experiences, I've learned some invaluable lessons that I'm excited to share with you. So, let's dive into my insights for different stages of your own work journey.
The Interview: Making a Memorable First Impression
I can still vividly recall my first job interview; an experience unlike any other. How do you even prepare for an interview as a mascot? With no formal CV to my name, except for a list of school achievements, my chances felt slim. To prepare, I found myself practicing the art of crafting balloon animals, convinced it would earn me some brownie points. And, to my astonishment, it did. In fact, balloon animal-making became part of my job description, accompanied by a slightly higher hourly pay. As Whitney Johnson, author of "Disrupt Yourself," rightly puts it, "First impressions matter so much because they happen fast, and they are stubborn."
Here are a few unconventional tips, beyond the typical advice of dressing well, being punctual, and doing your research, that I've gathered from my own journey:
Prepare Talking Points: Don't assume the interviewer will do all the talking. I once found myself in an interview where I was asked to speak on ANYTHING for 10 minutes. For more on this, check out this article that guides you through the prep process
Be Aware of Your Body Language: Confidence should shine through despite your nerves. If necessary, strike a power pose, speak affirmations to yourself, and believe in your abilities.
Role Play: Enlist a seasoned family member or friend for some role-playing. If that's not an option, practice in front of a mirror and record your voice to understand how you come across.
Play to Your Strengths: Showcase your unique strengths and qualities. Make sure to think about and craft your answers to showcase your strong points. Use real life examples and statistics if you can. This makes you appear confident, capable and credible.
Engage and Be Engaging: Your goal is not just to impress but to create a memorable and engaging conversation using eye contact, strong conversational skills and asking questions where relevant.
Your Journey Begins - The First Day
First days at work can be nerve-wracking, but remember, you're there for a reason—your boss believed in you enough to hire you. Here are some uncommon tips to make your first day a success:
Affirm Yourself: Reassure yourself that you belong there, your boss saw something special in you.
Avoid Cliches: When asked, "How are you?" steer clear of the standard, "Good, thanks." Instead, share something personal like, "I'm doing really well. Not only am I excited to be here, but I also achieved a new personal record in my 5-mile run this week." This opens up conversation, makes you appear open and friendly and gives insight into your interests.
Be Authentic: It's natural to want to appear as the best at your job, but authenticity matters. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Listen, Learn, and Observe: Take in everything during orientation; don't be afraid to take notes. Watch how people interact and behave, and make mental notes.
Learn People's Names: Remembering and using people's names creates a positive impression and helps build relationships from day one.
Navigating the Digital Realm - The First Virtual Meeting
In today's work landscape, virtual meetings have become the norm. However, the art of making a good first impression remains as crucial as ever. Here's some advice to help you shine in the virtual realm:
Body Language Still Matters: Even in virtual meetings, your body language communicates volumes. Maintain an attentive posture, make eye contact by looking into the camera, and nod or use gestures to show engagement.
Background Matters: Avoid virtual backgrounds unless you have a proper green screen setup. Otherwise, it can appear awkward, distracting and leave others wondering what you're trying to hide. Instead, opt for a neat, well-thought-out background that reflects professionalism.
Be Prepared: If you're speaking during the meeting, have your notes ready. Being organized and confident in your delivery will leave a lasting impression.
Smile: A simple smile can go a long way in establishing a positive and approachable image, even in the virtual world.
You're the Authority - The First Meeting with Clients or Vendors
When meeting with clients or vendors for the first time, remember that you represent your company and its values. Here's how to make a lasting impression:
Be Confidently Assertive: You are the authority in this situation, regardless of the client's demeanor. Hold your ground with confidence, and maintain a professional and assertive tone. Remember, regardless of your position (even if you're the junior), you're there because your company has given you authority in that situation, therefore you can remain assertive and confident.
Company First: Always keep in mind that you're representing your company, not just yourself. Align your actions and words with your company's values and goals.
Observe Body Language: Pay attention not only to their body language but also to your own. Maintain open and approachable postures to encourage positive interactions.
Show Genuine Interest: Demonstrate your investment in the client or vendor by doing a bit of online research. Knowing their needs and preferences can help build rapport.
Bring Value: This is paramount. Always aim to bring value to the table. Listen to their needs, propose solutions, and show them how your company can benefit them.
A Graceful Exit - The Last Day Before You Leave the Job
Leaving a job can be bittersweet, but it's an opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impression. Here's how to make your last day memorable:
Thank You Notes: Leave individualized thank-you notes for your colleagues, expressing your gratitude for their support and camaraderie.
Own Up to Mistakes: If you've made any mistakes during your time at the job, now is the time to own up to them and apologize if necessary. It shows maturity and integrity.
Inform Your Team About Your Departure: Ensure that everyone knows you're leaving. Don't let your departure come as a surprise to your colleagues.
Farewell Lunch: If possible, take your colleagues out to lunch as a gesture of appreciation. It's a great way to foster positive final memories.
Leave Them Smiling: Share a light-hearted moment, gift or encouraging note, to leave your colleagues with a smile when they think of you.
Seek Mentorship: Before leaving, ask your mentors for tips and guidance as you move forward in your career. Their insights can be invaluable in your professional journey.
I hope these tips will help you navigate the various stages of your work journey, leaving a positive and memorable impression at each step.
BONUS: I have prepared a Comprehensive Interview Guide with all kinds of possible interview questions including dos and don’ts in response to them. If you’d like a copy, subscribe to our website via the contact form below and we’ll send it over to you for FREE.
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