You’ve likely heard the textbook saying of how you only have a single chance to leave a first impression. A survey of 2,000 Americans by Dollar Shave Club reveals that this opportunity is as short as 27 seconds. Over 65% of respondents said they do so before the person even speaks.

This means you must be in your best form when you’re having a video call with a prospective employer, speaking to a hiring manager in an interview, or coming in for your first day at work. Let’s look at the kinds of first impression you want to leave in the workplace.

Trustworthy

The professional world is all about building mutually-beneficial relationships. Also, people don’t want to cooperate with someone they deem unreliable since they might be left hanging or take the loss. Nobody wants to risk assigning someone work only for the person to go AWOL.

Open-minded

You want to be seen as a virtual assistant PH who is inquisitive and open to fresh ideas and solutions. Nobody likes an arrogant worker who thinks they know it all or who only acts for personal gain. Leaders and managers prefer someone who acknowledges their faults and asks questions.

Professional

Your hygiene, clothing, mannerisms, personality, and speaking style all dictate your professionalism or lack thereof. As a freelance virtual assistant in the Philippines, you might think these are only important for onsite workers but you never know when you have to hop on a video call.

Competent

Being competent means having expertise in the role you’re given. The people you’re hoping to win over must be convinced of your knowledge and prowess in a specific niche before your first conversation comes to an end. Even if you’re switching careers, you’re expected to have studied the position beforehand.

Impressing your boss at your new role

We understand that it’s challenging to make the right impression within a few seconds. Your opportunity is extended when you’ve been VA from the Philippines since employers want to get their money’s worth. Within the first few days at work, try these lesser-known methods:

1. Find a mentor to learn from

After you’ve introduced yourself to everyone in the team, there will be a person who stood out as someone you’ll get along with. Get in touch with them while turning on the charm. It helps if they’ve been with the company for years so they serve as your source of answers.

2. Document all your activities

A new hire VA from the Philippines makes a great impression by doing something as simple as taking notes. If you document team processes, give suggestions for efficiency, or provide fresh insights, that’s even better. This also gives you a good idea how your tasks contribute to company goals.

3. Arrive early or on the dot

During the first few days, you’re considered a guest so certain allowances are provided while you’re adjusting to the new environment. You’re present to learn how things work and your co-workers understand this. No matter how new you are to the organisation, being on time is something you must already know.

4. Show off your best qualities

Think about what the recruiters or client liked about you during the interview. Be it your sense of humour, your family background, your innovative ideas, or your work history, be sure to express these traits from the beginning. This shows your employer that you’re putting your money where your mouth is.

5. Share what you know to others

To impress the leaders or build a strong foundation for yourself at your new job, share your skills and knowledge with others. People are reluctant to share resources, thinking they’ll lose their edge when moving up the career ladder. Helping others fosters cooperation and collaboration which are key traits for success.

6. Get to know your co-workers

Outside of introducing yourself positively and confidently to your teammates, get to know who they are. As a newly hired Filipino outsource, you must take extra effort to contact them through chat or email. Time it when it’s lunch time, coffee break, or before work to establish bonds.

7. Update your social media profiles

If you’re comfortable with it, edit your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook profiles to include your new job at your new company. This shows how excited you are about your newly acquired position and are interested in meeting your co-workers on these platforms. Be careful what you post to avoid trouble with HR though.

8. Volunteer for new opportunities

Rather than wait to be asked, actively claim tasks as yours or learn about them if they’re unfamiliar to you. Check that you have ample time in your schedule to accept these new responsibilities, however, to avoid biting off more than you can chew.

9. Deliver more than expected

Be mindful that you’re not running before you’re walking so always under-promise and over-deliver. Be realistic about your capabilities as it shows that you’re aware of your own limits. If you’re given a task without a deadline, ask for a due date and deliver it with good quality as soon as possible.

10. Accept some invitations

One of the reasons you’re doing remote work in the Philippines may be to achieve work-life balance. You may wish to avoid socialising outside of work but try to interact with teammates whenever possible. For instance, if you have virtual game nights every Friday, attend every once in a while even just to chat.

Find a virtual assistant agency in the Philippines

If you’re still at the stage where you’re searching for an online employer, consider working with outsourcing companies in the Philippines to reduce the hassle. These kinds of third-party providers are connected to organisations around the world while providing the necessary training.

We at Remote Workmate, for instance, provide a space where candidates learn to be comfortable working with artificial intelligence tools. We believe that AI and machine learning are the future of business, and so we prepare virtual professionals for the years to come.