Body Language for Your First Day in a New Job
In this, the second in our series of three from guest writer Carole Railton, she explains how we can manipulate body language to give confidence and success in a new job…
Most people find starting a new job unnerving. Your former support system is not there, you are in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by new faces, systems, and expectations. While your skills, CV, and interview success got you the job, your body language on day one can help solidify your presence. It can help you to build trust quickly and set the tone for future success.
People will notice you as soon as you arrive that you are not a familiar face, so you stand out. To gain the confidence to go into this environment, employ these body language tips before you arrive, so they are natural as you go through your day.
Walk Tall
Your entrance is going to set the stage. Walk tall, which means having your shoulders back, face looking forward and chin just slightly tilted down. A chin pointing up is an aggressive pose. You need to have your phone switched off to stop you looking at it. You must show interest and commitment to your new employer.
Once you reach the entrance, take a breath, look around the room from this balanced position and make sure you have a smile on your face. You may have to return a handshake at this stage, make sure its firm and friendly. Hold onto your smile and look the person in the eyes for the moment of the handshake. Return your hands so the other person can see your palms whether you are sitting down or standing. This is known as open behaviour.
Eye contact is so important, we can learn so much from the eyes. When you are being introduced to others look them in the eyes. If you have to talk to them for any length of time look into their left eye rather than both eyes, this is a gentler approach and one that allows you to influence more. Whatever you do, do not use darting eye movements around the room. Yes, it’s a new environment but you have days to check it out, make sure that all the contacts you meet on your first day know you are attentive and sincere by focusing on them.
A genuine smile shows warmth and can ease tension for both you and the person you are interacting with. Relax as much as you can before you smile, its a natural behaviour and one that shows you are open to conversation and ongoing contact, so get this right on your first day and you are set up for the rest of time you are at this company.
Show You Are Listening
You have already set your body posture up for your entrance and perhaps you could check it out throughout the day. Stand tall, have your palms showing and when someone talks to you lean very slightly towards them, a sign of interest and listening, it’s how I check if people are listening to me
when I am talking. To indicate you are not nervous avoid crossing your arms, keep your hands out of your pockets even if you feel a little uncertain.
A new environment is often daunting, yet you want to make an impression and connection with those you are meeting. You could try subtle mimicking of others’ gestures. It is known as mirroring and should only been done a few times. Never exaggerate this, and its better you do not use it all than force it. It can be useful to show that you are on the same wavelength as others that you are going to be working with.
At the end of the day, you need to be just as much aware at when you arrived. Thank those that have helped you with a warm genuine smile and eye contact to the left eye. Where appropriate say you are looking forward to tomorrow. Relax and remember all the positives from the day as you travel home. I hope your first day has been successful and you are looking forward to many more days in your new role.
