What and who grades your "first" impression when you start a new civilian job? Is it the recruiter, your new boss, or someone/something else?

Lauren Weaver — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:18:07 -0500

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Feb 22 at 2017 9:32 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:32:21 -0500

I grade myself on my "first" impression. From starting with email saying "We found your resume..." and throughout the interview process, I try to maintain myself in a high standard and that continues on to day 1 at the job and on. With the market being so tight, we must remember that we must work even harder to make a good impression and to continue that impression through the time with the company.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Feb 22 at 2017 9:58 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:58:27 -0500

By the time you "start"? I'd say your boss and your co-workers. By the time you start, your recruiter's job should already be complete.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Feb 22 at 2017 10:00 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 10:00:37 -0500

Anytime one starts a new civilian job. the impression you make is the first and and you make that impression on everyone you meet. While I was never a recruiter during my business career, I was a hiring officer for professional development programs and executive hires. I looked to the recruiters to provide candidates who matched the corporate requirements and culture. They coached and prepared their candidates as part of their responsibility. I assured that a candidate's understanding of the situation they were getting into was accurate and that they were willing to perform as required. Then off they went to their first assignment where they made their third first impression,but the first on the job. That on the job impression was made on they people they worked with(leaders, co-workers and clients) and those they worked for(leaders, co-workers and clients).

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Feb 22 at 2017 10:41 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 10:41:58 -0500

For the group I work for, it's the team. We don't hire based on how well the managers like you, but how well you fit into the team.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 22 at 2017 10:51 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 10:51:56 -0500

You will make several "first" impressions:
-Your initial supervisor will form a first impression within a day or so of you joining his part of the organization (very important)
-Senior managers will form an impression based on welcoming meetings (if they do this in the organization) or after checking with your supervisor during the first few weeks of your employment
-The HR and other support specialists will form a first impression of you in your first few hours on the job. (these folks have a lot of power, so it's a good idea to be on their good side)
--You co-workers or team members will form a first impression of you during your initial interactions with them. Some will see you on your first day, others may not see you for a week or two depending on the type of work. Good impressions foster team work and mutual support.

I recommend, be polite, humble, and positive throughout your first few weeks on the job. Realize you probably don't know much about the real jobs of the people you meet. You'll have to listen, learn, and eventually you won't be the new person.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 22 at 2017 11:29 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 11:29:21 -0500

New manager and the people I work with.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 22 at 2017 11:56 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 11:56:11 -0500

My first impressions were always prior to the on site interview. Show up much earlier and hang out in the cafeteria or coffee mess if you can. Feel the vibes. What type of talking is going on. What's the gripe level? You get a sense of what the culture is and whether or not you want to be a part of it. So by the time you accepted the position, you already bought into it so the next impressions are more specific. Recommendation: Impressions come from all sources in no particular order. So roll them in and move on.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Feb 22 at 2017 1:14 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 13:14:19 -0500

Shareholders kids. Irrespective of how good or bad you are, you will get a set pay raise, compensation, etc. Oh your companies' website and literature are no doubt full of fluff about how "Joe Humble worker formed the company through the tears of his great grand dad Louie's sweat" and "oh look at our values" but at the end of the day, your attitude is pretty worthless as long as the company can turn a buck. The guy next to me that rarely shows up gets the same 2.5% raise that I do with my over-the-top "Audie Murphy" reviews. Both of us will be laid off at the same time when the company "envisions new paradigms" and "drills down to it's core competencies." You honestly can't make this shit up.

Sorry...too jaded?

Maybe its different in the state you're in (ha ha)? Its different in Europe where I worked, but I'm thinking you're talking about American companies in America.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 22 at 2017 6:40 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 18:40:59 -0500

I would say your new boss and the people you work with