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
Office Support Co-ordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £25,250 per annum
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB05
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with an established manufacturer, based in Tiverton, Devon, to recruit an Office Support Coordinator.

Hours: 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 8.30am/9.00am to 4.30pm/5.00pm.

This is a key role providing front-of-house and administrative support across the business. Responsibilities include managing the switchboard and visitors, coordinating meetings, preparing documents, and maintaining records. The position also supports the HR & Payroll Manager with drafting and formatting documents, ensuring well-organised administration. While it does not involve direct project leadership, it requires a proactive and efficient approach to daily operations.

Duties will include:

  • General administrative support to the wider business, including document creation and record maintenance
  • Support to the HR & Payroll Manager, particularly in drafting and formatting documents
  • Arranging travel – overseas and in the UK, and monitoring the effectiveness of service provisions
  • Carrying out annual tasks, such as driver licence checks for company vehicle drivers, updating and maintaining systems and databases to ensure up-to-date, accurate information
  • Phone cover and switchboard support
  • Visitor management, including sign-in and hospitality coordination
  • Meeting support, including room bookings, refreshments, and logistics
  • Support with the coordination of compliance training and logging of events and certificates
  • Utilising and creating content for our learning management platform – becoming an admin user proficient in creating and analysing reports for compliance
  • Responding to internal support requests and processing outcomes, such as placing orders for personal protective equipment and consumables, maintaining internal records and procedures
  • Assisting with documenting workflow processes to formalise our wider team procedures and ensure continual review to ensure up-to-date practices are in place
  • Administration support of the starter/leavers process, including updating our business systems

Required key skills include:

  • Exceptional communication and customer service skills to include: interpersonal, verbal and written
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.)
  • The ability to communicate professionally at all levels
  • Interested in developing automation tools to improve efficiency
  • Comfortable investigating issues and following through to resolution
  • Discreet, professional, and collaborative in a multi-functional team environmentExcellent written English skills, with the ability to produce clear, professional documents.
  • Familiar with the organisation of events, overseas travel or similar
  • Previous experience in an office support role for a large multi-functional organisation
  • Adaptable, self-motivated, team worker with a can-do attitude who can demonstrate initiative

 

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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New job
Workshop Fitter
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Clacton-on-Sea
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC16
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based near Clacton-on-Sea, to recruit a Workshop Fitter to join their long-standing team.

Duties include:

  • Precise fitting of mechanical and potentially electrical components according to technical drawings and specifications.
  • Operating and utilising a variety of engineering tools and equipment with expertise and safety.
  • Contributing to the overall build process from sub-assembly to final machine completion.
  • Working collaboratively with the experienced team to ensure top-quality output.

Key skills required:

  • Proven experience in a manufacturing or engineering workshop environment is essential.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of engineering tools and equipment, and a track record of using them effectively.
  • Skilled in fitting parts together and building complex machinery with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in your work.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

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
Order Processing Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC15
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Witham to recruit an Order Processing Administrator to join their long-standing team.

The role will primarily focus on uploading orders and quotes, accurately interpreting dimensions from drawings, and demonstrating a keen eye for detail to ensure items are produced with the right first-time approach, meeting customer requirements.

Duties include:

  • Vetting of customers' drawings and orders
  • Uploading orders and quotes onto the internal system
  • Ensuring all orders are checked within the agreed KPI’s
  • Sending orders to out-sourcing and responding to queries and questions that may arise
  • Processing delivery notes and invoices
  • Investigating and processing remake paperwork
  • Undertaking any administrative functions within the office as and when required

Key skills required:

  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Excellent organisational skills to manage the workload for the team
  • Confident with technical information (or confidence to learn)
  • Self-motivated
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Computer literate (Excel/Word)

 

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
Customer Service Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC7
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Witham to recruit a Customer Service Administrator to join their long-standing team.

You will be responsible for delivering a high level of customer service to both regular customers and internal stakeholders, including production, accounts, transport, and the sales team. You will work towards key KPIs to ensure that the highest standards of customer service are maintained and continuously improved.

Duties include:

  • Vet customer orders ready for processing onto the system.
  • This includes applying the correct delivery dates to suit the customer requirements whilst ensuring it fits in with the production dates, capabilities and delivery areas.
  • Proactive response to answering the telephone within 3 rings.
  • Enthusiastic attitude to deal with and resolve customers' queries or issues promptly.
  • Proactively follow up with customers to resolve queries if they have not responded. Ensure all verbal correspondence is confirmed in writing and the system is updated with correct information.
  • Support the end-of-month invoicing procedure, investigate and find any missing delivery notes.
  • Routinely speak to key accounts and regular customers to grow a productive working relationship with them.

Key skills:

  • Exceptional customer service skills - must have a friendly and positive phone manner.
  • Energetic, self-driven and motivated.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to continually multitask.
  • Ability to prioritise your time to plan and organise your day.
  • Ability to learn and absorb information.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 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.

 

Read more
Logistics Administrator
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913731
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Logistics Administrator to join their team on a full-time basis.

The key purpose of this role is to support the warehouse/logistics team with all admin and office-based tasks, managing the transport and delivery of products as required.

Key duties include:

  • Managing stock levels and ensuring timely deliveries, reviewing sales orders and assigning which stock should be picked in line with first-in-first-out (FIFO) principles.
  • Monitoring warehouse activities, including shipping and receiving, making sure the quality of goods received and goods sent out is to the right standard and supported by the correct documentation.
  • Ensuring paperwork is filed and available to be accessed by any auditors.
  • Tracking deliveries in/out and providing updates to customers and sales colleagues.
  • Work closely with colleagues across different departments to ensure successful and timely delivery to customers, and that the company have the raw materials needed to successfully produce the finished product.
  • Requesting certificates of analysis from the quality team and ensuring the relevant pallet and delivery labels, as well as relevant paperwork, are attached to all deliveries to customers.
  • Carrying out regular stock takes of raw materials and finished products.
  • Calling off raw materials from 3rd party warehouses in line with production plans to ensure production never runs out of materials.

Role requirements include:

  • Proficiency in logistics systems and processes.
  • Experience in warehouse operations.
  • Knowledge of supply chain management principles.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills - you pick up the phone or speak to people in person where possible instead of sending an email.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Computer literate – able to follow processes across different systems and maintain records in Excel.
  • Excellent organisational and time-management skills, ability to organise own workload and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and lead times required for deliveries to different locations/customers.
  • Able to work autonomously or as part of a team, you take a positive, proactive, problem-solving approach to tasks.

The working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm.

This is an office/site-based role.

Due to the working location, you will need access to your own transport.

This role offers a competitive salary with company benefits, and it is an excellent time to join the expanding business.

 

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