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

What Actually Matters When You Start Your First Job

Starting your first job feels like being dropped into a movie halfway through. Everyone else seems to know the script, the characters, the inside jokes. You’re still figuring out where to stand and when to speak.

I remember that feeling clearly. When I started my first job out of college, I had no idea what actually mattered and what didn’t. I thought confidence meant trying hard, talking more, proving myself early.

Over time, I learned the opposite.

What actually matters is being present, paying attention, and stacking small wins until people just know they can count on you. This is the same mindset shift I wrote about in 7 Lessons That’ll Actually Help You Stand Out in a Job Interview, where presence matters more than polish.

Presence Is the First Signal

One of the simplest things makes the biggest difference.

“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.”

This isn’t about politeness. It’s about energy. People can feel when you’re open versus when you’re sealed off. The guys walking around with their AirPods in aren’t rude. They’re just invisible.

Being present means being available for the small moments. A quick “hey, how was your weekend” in the kitchen. A “you good” in the hallway. Those interactions feel insignificant, but they’re 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.”

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that trust and influence at work are built through repeated informal interactions, not big moments in meetings.

Learn the Coffee Chat Mentality

Office confidence doesn’t come from speaking up in meetings right away. It comes from one-on-one conversations.

“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.”

This is where you learn how things actually work. Not from org charts or onboarding decks, but from people.

The most important part comes at the end.

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

That question signals humility and curiosity at the same time.

And then there’s the follow-up, which almost no one does.

“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.”

Career experts at Forbes consistently point out that thoughtful follow ups are one of the fastest ways to stand out early in your career.

Dress Like Someone Who Gives a Sh*t

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

“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.”

That’s not about fear. It’s about readiness.

And then there’s the Kim Kardashian rule.

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

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

Psychology Today explains that reducing morning decision-making improves confidence and mental clarity throughout the day, which directly affects how you show up at work.

Stack One Small Win Every Day

Early in your career, wins don’t always come from work itself. Some days are chaotic. Some days nothing clicks.

“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.”

That win can be simple. Making your bed. Getting to the gym. Sending one thoughtful email.

“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.”

This is the same small-win philosophy I break down in Why Consistency Feels So Hard Even When You Care.

Control Your Morning If You Can

Working out before work isn’t about discipline points. It’s about presence.

“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.”

Studies cited by Cleveland Clinic show that morning exercise improves focus, stress regulation, and mood for the rest of the day.

You’re not reacting to the day. You’re entering it.

Be the Person Who Gets Things Done

This might be the most important lesson of all.

“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.”

People remember reliability more than charisma. This is exactly what I talk about in The Quiet Moment You Start Questioning Your Career, where consistency quietly builds reputation long before titles do.

Ask the Questions You Think You Should Already Know

Early on, it’s easy to stay quiet because you don’t want to sound inexperienced.

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

The Quiet Truth About Starting Out

Starting your first job isn’t about proving yourself immediately. It’s about building trust slowly.

Show up present.
Prepare in small ways.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Follow through consistently.

Do that long enough, and one day you’ll realize something shifted.

People stop explaining everything to you. They start asking your opinion. They trust you.

And that’s when you know you’re doing it right.

FAQ: Starting Your First Job

What actually matters most in your first job?
Being present, paying attention, and following through consistently. “Be the guy that gets the things done” matters more than trying to impress early.

Is it bad to ask a lot of questions at work?
No. “Don’t feel dumb if you don’t know something. How would you know? This is your first job.” Asking questions shows you care about doing things right.

How do I make a good impression without trying too hard?
Show up prepared and engaged. Taking out your headphones, being approachable, and doing small things well builds trust naturally.

Do coffee chats really make a difference?
Yes. “A coffee chat is a quick, informal chat” that helps people understand who you are and how you work. Following up is what makes it stick.

What if I feel behind compared to my coworkers?
That feeling is normal early on. Focus on stacking small wins and being reliable. Confidence comes from consistency, not comparison.