How to make an impact in your new job

How to make an impact in your new job

Starting a new job? Ernie Richardson explains how you can hit the ground running

Starting a new job is always a challenge. You have to get used to a new set of relationships, find your way around a new office and learn a whole array of new tasks.

Just to add to the pressure, you’ll probably be eager to make a strong impression on your new colleagues. You’ll want them to think you know what you’re doing, to trust your judgment and, if you’re the boss, respect you from the get go.

So here are five things to help you settle into a new role.

1) Take your time

We know how it is. You’re starting a new role and want to have an instant impact. It’s tempting to rush in and make changes, to offer your strong opinions right from the start.

But the experts at Just Recruitment Group Ltd advise taking your time before ringing the changes.

“Get to know the systems already in place,” says the company’s founder and director Jenny Wrightson. “Things are usually done a certain way for a very good reason, and you won’t make any friends by criticising them without fully understanding that hinterland.

“Over time, you’ll certainly be in a position to suggest improvements and to make your presence felt. But for the first month or so, just watch, learn and ponder. There’s plenty of time to influence how things are done once you’re settled into your new role.”

"One sure-fire way of building rapport with your new colleagues is to seek their advice."  

2) Build relationships

It can be hard to build trust with a new team, so you need to work on establishing strong relationships with colleagues.

Take time to get to know them, ask them about themselves and show an interest in their lives. That will help you establish a rapport, meaning they’re more likely to trust your judgment.

A box of doughnuts in the staff kitchen can go a long way to helping you build good relationships with new colleagues. But don’t go overboard. If you seem too eager, you may find it alienates people who think you’re too keen to impress.

3) Ask advice

One sure-fire way of building rapport with your new colleagues is to seek their advice, says Mrs Wrightson.

“Everyone likes to feel as if their opinions matter, as if they have expertise to share. Make a point of asking colleagues for their advice and opinions, even if it’s only in response to simple questions that will help you settle in. If people feel like you value their advice, they’re more likely to let you in. And that’s when you can start working effectively together.”

How to make an impact in your new job4) Steady the ship

Whether you’re the first person to hold your new role, or you’ve taken over from someone else, it’s likely there will be a bit of an unsettled atmosphere among colleagues.

Any change in personnel wrongfoots people in the workplace – people get used to things being a certain way, and a new face takes some getting used to. For that reason, it’s worth reassuring people and taking time to find out about the history of your role. If there are wounds that need healing, you’ll need to tread carefully.

Equally, if people see your appointment as an opportunity for a bright new dawn, you’ll need to manage expectations.

5) Remember that little things make a big difference

What you wear, how you set up your office, the sincerity with which you speak to colleagues: when you start a new job, everything is scrutinised by those around you.

While it’s important not to overthink how you come across, it’s worth being mindful that people will make judgments on the basis of the initial impression you create.

“It’s back to the bringing doughnuts idea,” concludes Jenny Wrightson. “Turn up with a box of treats, a warm smile and an openness to the people around you and you’ll find it much easier to settle in.

“But the main advice is to be yourself. People spot insincerity a mile away. Show them what they’re getting from the outset and you should enjoy a smooth entry into your new working environment.”

 

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Published: 16 April 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

New job
Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: South East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing Sudbury-based business seeking a Sales Manager to join their long-standing team.

Due to continued growth, this newly created role will play a key part within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You’ll act as the vital link between customers and the technical teams, ensuring every interaction reinforces the company’s reputation for excellence.

The sales team is expected to know their clients, and therefore, a minimum of 50% of your time will be spent in front of customers.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Prospect and build a pipeline of winnable projects.
  • Negotiate and close transactions.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to new and existing clients.
  • Build and nurture relationships to drive customer satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.
  • Understand customer needs and effectively communicate product information, features, and benefits.
  • Support customers throughout the sales cycle, from enquiry through to delivery and aftersales.
  • Manage time and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and maintain high service standards.

Skills and qualifications include:

  • Proven experience in prospecting new clients, preparing proposals, negotiating and closing disinfection sales in the water and wastewater industry.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — confident, clear, and customer-focused.
  • Strong ability to build rapport, listen actively, and translate customer needs into practical solutions.
  • Solid understanding of the sales process and relationship management.
  • Skilled at explaining technical products in an approachable way (training provided).
  • Effective time management, organisation, and follow-through.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop within a successful team and business.

If you are a hungry and driven salesperson - this role is for you!

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913734
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established business on the outskirts of Colchester in recruiting a Production Operative to join their existing team. This role also offers an excellent opportunity to progress into a Team Leader position.

Working within a busy manufacturing facility, you will be required to work with the wider team to ensure production and business targets are met, and that clients receive the required products on time.

You will come from a manufacturing or production background - used to handling large, heavy products, although candidates with no experience and a great attitude will be considered.

Working days - Monday to Friday on a shift basis (6.00am - 2.30pm and 1.30pm – 10.00pm). Overtime is available as per business needs.

This employer is committed to investing in and developing its people — for every machine you’re trained to operate and for which you meet the required standards, you’ll receive an increase in your salary.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Marketing Engagement Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC20
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Engagement Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will be required to create and deliver across all aspects of the marketing mix and client engagement programmes. This role requires a self-motivated team player with a can-do attitude who works well in an extremely busy environment. You should be professional, articulate and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with the confidence to deal with people at all levels, both internally and externally.

You must be able to demonstrate a strong record of achievement in successfully developing, improving, and implementing all forms of marketing engagement across multiple platforms, collateral materials and content-driven marketing.

Duties include:

  • Work with a full understanding of the importance of maintaining the corporate brand.
    Create and deliver marketing activities in accordance with the company marketing plan.
  • Deliver all forms of marketing engagement campaigns and events, measure effectiveness and propose improvements based on outcomes and associated metrics.
  • Plan and deliver physical and digital exhibitions, events, internally-focused training videos and externally-focused client knowledge tutorials, bring online the delivery of live-stream events.
  • Assist in the delivery of PR programmes to match the company's marketing focuses.
  • Work with creative agencies, designers, suppliers, and providers to maintain the corporate brand within their deliverables.
  • Work with the marketing team in the development of collateral and content for presentations, videos, and other multimedia activities.
  • Liaise with the external sales team and product development managers to ascertain appropriate messages, projects and products suitable for external and internal promotion.

Key experience required includes:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a marketing role.
  • Proven experience in maintaining and delivering marketing and client engagement strategies to meet company objectives.
  • Advanced knowledge of platforms and applications such as E-mail campaign and automation software (MailChimp), CRM and CMS platforms, as well as creative applications such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, and video editing software.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).
Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Trainee Commercial Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Colchester, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB09
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for an ambitious Trainee Commercial Manager to join our client’s supplier negotiation team.

Based in Colchester, you’ll play a key role in purchasing, pricing, and supplier communications, gaining valuable experience within a rapidly expanding national business.

Working hours 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday - 30 minutes lunch break.
23 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Duties will include:

  • Supporting the Commercial Management team in negotiating purchasing agreements and maintaining supplier relationships.
  • Assisting with pricing queries from managers and estimators across the business.
  • Collaborating with the Product File team to help maintain accurate pricing and product information.
  • Working directly in our Profit Centres to gain valuable experience of the industry and how to run a profitable business.
  • Identifying new product ranges and suppliers that will provide future-proofing for the years to come.
  • Providing direct assistance to the Commercial Director with support from the other Commercial Managers
  • Confidence with Excel is a must.
  • Key personality traits would be a positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn.

You will have a strong interest in business, purchasing or negotiation. Any experience in related fields would be a bonus, but is not considered essential.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Driver/Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC19
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing organisation based in Ipswich that is looking for a Driver/Warehouse Operative to join their team.

You will be responsible for covering East Anglia and making 10 to 20 drops per day.

Duties include:

  • Packing and labelling goods 
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  • Manual handling
  • Working in a small team
  • Driving a sprinter van
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Hours: Monday to Friday, 06.30 - 16.30.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Read more