In the last YES! Your Human Resources Solution blog, we shared tips for recent college grads to find a job. If you’ve been lucky enough to complete a lifetime of school and land a great job before summer’s end, fantastic and good for you! But you should know, the career world is a different animal from the college world. You can’t stay up all night cramming for your all-staff presentation, and you can’t cruise by with a C because it’s as much a passing grade as an A. You have to bring your A-game to your first job because, as they say, You only have one chance to make a first impression. And that first impression will set the stage for the rest of your career.

These tips will help you make a positive and memorable first impression:

• Project confidence and positivity. Have confidence in your competence. Yes, you will make mistakes, especially in the beginning, as all people in new jobs do. But it’s important to realize those mistakes aren’t the end of the world (or your career). As long as you project a positive attitude, people will respond to your enthusiasm, and you’ll feel better about yourself and your work. 

• Dress appropriately for your company’s culture. Notice what your coworkers are wearing and mirror it, erring on the side of dressy until you get the feel for things. (Don’t get caught in a band tee and hoodie if everyone else is wearing blouses and polos.) And remember to dress for the job you want, not necessarily the one you have. Your image plays an invaluable role in how others perceive you, and the wrong image can keep you from achieving your full potential. 

• Study your coworkers and company structure. Learn your coworkers’ names, keeping a cheat sheet if that’s not your forte. You’ll also want to note whom you should talk to about certain topics: “Marissa handles benefits.” And if you forget someone’s name, the best solution is to apologize and ask for it again. They’ll appreciate your honesty instead of enduring weeks of “Um, hi there!” 

• Take initiative. You will probably be eased in to your new job with small snippets of work. As you roll through those, take the initiative by asking for more work. And once you have completed all your regular projects, don’t hunt for Pokemon in the office—ask others if they need help, or volunteer for projects or committees. 

• Network. It’s never too early to build relationships that will support your career. So take advantage of your company’s networking opportunities, including professional conferences, trade shows, the picnic committee, and even after-hours activities such as the company baseball team or happy hour at the local bar and grill. Networking can also help you build a mentoring relationship with an experienced staffer.

• Show appreciation. Just as your coworkers will respond to confidence and positivity, they will respond to appreciation. Share a smile and a “thank you” with the people who help you settle in!

It’s not easy being the new kid on the block, especially at your first job. But it’s also an exciting opportunity to shine and make a fantastic first impression. Your A-game is closer than you think!