When starting a new job, you know to be professional and start off on the right foot with your boss. But what about your new coworkers? You’ll be working with these people, maybe for years! You want to make a good first impression with everyone in the office. We have the secret to not be the awkward new person in the office.

Personable, But Professional

The balance between being friendly and being polite is the key to having a great first day at work. You want to get to know your new coworkers, so be personable. But you can’t be too casual or prying, either. How can you find the right balance?

Talk one-on-one, or in groups, but don’t gossip. Asking for the office gossip could set off red flags for your coworkers. They’ll immediately be suspicious of you, wondering what you’ll talk about when they are out of the room.

Ask questions, but respect boundaries. If you see a child’s photo on a desk, go ahead and ask, “Who’s this?” or “Is this your kid?” Questions can show great personal interest. But if someone is hesitant to talk, never press the issue. You don’t want to make them uncomfortable!

Be friendly, but polite. In most cases, it’s best to save the funny nicknames or casual ribbing for a later time. Even if you see your coworkers joking around with one another, try to avoid joining in. Etiquette expert Rosalinda Oropeza Randall says, “They earned that level of casualness with each other – you are not there yet.”

Don’t Forget to Be Yourself

Workplace confidence expert Michelle Kerrigan has this warning for new employees: “It’s natural to want to be liked — to impress and fit in quickly. However, many try too hard, and talk too much when they should be listening.” In other words, phoniness and over-eagerness are not going to win anyone over. While remembering the rules above, you should still feel free to be yourself.

Temp workers face a unique challenge, in that they are constantly “the new guy” as they move from job to job. As one of the top temp agencies in Atlanta, GA, Staffing Resources is here for you with all the info you need to be a successful temporary employee. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest industry news and advice.