How do I make a good first impression at my first job?

Starting your first job is like being dropped into a movie halfway through. Everyone else knows the script, and you’re still figuring out where the cameras are.

I’ve been there. When I started my first job after college, I had no idea what mattered and what didn’t. Over time, I learned that it’s not about trying too hard. It’s about being present, paying attention, and stacking small wins until people just know they can count on you.

1. Take out the headphones and be present

You said it best:

“Take out the headphones and be present. You never know who you’re going to see right when you walk in or right when you get off the elevator.”

The point isn’t just politeness. It’s energy. People pick up on whether you’re approachable or invisible. The guys who walk in already sealed off by their AirPods aren’t rude. They’re just missing a thousand tiny chances to connect.

Being present also means being available for a “hey, how was your weekend?” in the kitchen or a “you good?” in the hallway. Those small moments are how people start to remember you.

“It shows people that you want to say hi and you’re not in that ‘don’t speak to me, I’m wearing my AirPods’ mentality.”

2. Learn the coffee chat mentality

This is the secret weapon of office confidence. You described it perfectly:

“A coffee chat is a quick, informal chat, 15 to 30 minutes, just to ask what someone’s working on, how they got there, and how you can work together.”

And the real move? Ending it with humility:

“What advice do you have for me as I’m starting out?”

Follow up with a thank-you note, even a simple Slack or email.

“Hi Bob, thank you for your time and advice today. I really appreciate it. I was really interested in hearing about what you do, and I look forward to staying connected.”

That follow-up is what most people forget. You didn’t just talk. You closed the loop. That’s what people remember.

3. Dress like someone who gives a sh*t

You said it best:

“You never know who you’re going to see that day. There was a day I opened the fridge and closed it, and the CEO was literally on the other side.”

You don’t need to be overdressed. You just need to look like you tried.

And your Kim Kardashian rule:

“Pull out your clothes the night before. It’s a game changer.”

It’s funny, but it’s also mindset training. You said:

“This small act kind of sets your mindset for the next day before it’s even begun.”

It’s not about fashion. It’s about intentionality. When you prep the night before, you’re already a step ahead of everyone rushing to figure it out in the morning.

4. Find one small win every day

“If you can go into every day with at least one win, like looking nice and presentable, you’re already setting yourself up for success.”

It doesn’t have to be big. It can be making your bed, getting to the gym, or nailing that one email. Wins compound. On bad days, they keep you grounded.

“If the day at work is a total shit show and nothing went right, at least I got up and I made my bed and I went to the gym. That’s still something.”

That’s the mindset of someone who lasts.

5. Work out before work (if you can)

You didn’t say it for motivation. You said it because it works.

“When I work out in the morning, I show up to the office so much more present and feel so much better mentally. I’m just more productive.”

Morning workouts aren’t about fitness. They’re about control. You start your day deciding what happens, not reacting to it. That energy follows you all day.

6. Be the person who gets it done

The best advice in the whole episode comes at the end:

“Be the guy that gets the things done. There are so many people who point out what’s wrong. If you take the initiative, someone’s going to notice it.”

You don’t have to announce it. You just do it. That’s how people start saying your name when opportunities come up.

7. Ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb

“Don’t feel dumb if you don’t know something. How would you know? This is your first job.”

You’re not supposed to know everything. You’re supposed to learn. The most respected people in any company are the ones who keep asking better questions.

FAQ

Q: How can I make people remember me in my first job?
Be consistent and approachable. You don’t have to be loud, just be present. Take out the headphones, say hi, follow up, and do what you said you would.

Q: What should I wear to my first job?
Something that makes you feel confident but comfortable. Pull your clothes out the night before. It’s not about fashion, it’s about showing effort.

Q: What if I mess something up?
You will. Everyone does. What matters is how you handle it. Take ownership, fix it, and move on. The people who last are the ones who recover fast.

Final thought

Your first job isn’t the test. It’s the warm-up. Nobody expects perfection. But people do remember the guy who says hi, shows up, follows through, and quietly gets it done.

“Be the guy who gets it done. That’s how you get noticed.”

Read more in How Do I Introduce Myself Without Sounding Awkward and How Do I Know If I’m Too Comfortable.