Never underestimate the power of coming across professionally at work, the importance of making a good impression and carrying this through your time in the position. People will take you seriously and will most likely look to you for inspiration and motivation at work. 

Use proper etiquette

Using proper etiquette within the office will help you make a good impression on your colleagues and your boss. It may seem obvious but many people forget their manners and this can immediately lower your professionalism. An example is if you’re allowed to use your mobile at work, be sure that it isn’t a distraction to anyone and consider if you ever have the opportunity to dine out with your boss or a client, that you remain on your best behaviour.

Face your mistakes

If you haven’t already made a mistake at work, you likely will at some point, as everybody does. How you decide to handle the mistake and react to it will impact your manager’s opinion of you more than the mistake you made. The first step is to admit what happened and accept full responsibility for it, don’t turn to blame others, but be proactive about the situation and come up with a solution to rectify the mistake. Even if your boss is annoyed, they will recognise you’re trying to amend the situation too.

If you’re ill, call in sick

As much as you may want to get your tasks done and face the day at work to show you’re a hard worker and determined, this may not be the best option and it will not impress your boss. A reasonable boss will understand that when you’re sick, you will not be productive and will spread germs around the workplace. If you have a fever or feel like your sickness may be contagious, take the day off and catch up on your workload when you return to work. If you are feeling up to it, ask your manager if you can work from home instead.

Help in a crisis

An unexpected crisis can happen at work at any point, whether it be a cancelled caterer for a big event your company is hosting or a technological failure, but the employee who springs into action and resolves the problem will leave a lasting impression on the manager. Learning how to deal with workplace crises quickly and effectively is a valuable lesson to have under your belt and will be recognised by your boss.

Dress appropriately

Be sure you always follow your organisation’s dress code and maintain a neat and clean appearance at all times. If you’re allowed to dress with a more casual dress code, such as jeans and t-shirts, make sure they’re in good condition and ironed. If you are unsure, you usually can’t get it wrong if you look for inspiration from your boss’ choice of workwear.

Remaining professional and making a good impression at work will only benefit you as people will take you seriously in the workplace and your career. On top of these five points, be sure to respect everyone around you and avoid controversial conversation topics that could cause friction within the team.