One chance for a first impression

Everyone knows the basics of first impressions. Look people in the eye, give a firm handshake, say your name clearly - yada yada. We've all been coached on how to make a good first impression. But what about being on the receiving end of one? Especially in construction, where teams are constantly evolving and new faces join mid-project, first impressions go both ways.

Unlike office jobs where coworkers might spend years together, construction is a revolving door of new people: new hires, transfers, interns, fresh-out-of-college grads, and seasoned pros jumping in mid-stream. And no matter who they are or how long they've been in the industry, every single one of them gets asked the same question at the end of their first day:

"So, how was it?"

And that answer? It sets the tone. Not just for their opinion of you, but for their impression of your team, your project, and your entire company.

Picture this: They go home and say, "It was incredible! Everyone I met was super professional and friendly. They seemed like they knew what they were doing. The project is challenging, but it's running smoothly. I think I'm going to like it here."

That's a win. You’ve already started the momentum toward retaining someone who might turn out to be a rockstar.

Now, flip the script. What if they say: "Um, it was kind of weird. Nobody knew I was coming, so I just wandered around until someone found the superintendent. They didn’t have anything prepared, so I got handed some random busywork. Nobody really talked to me. I ate Arby’s alone and left when I saw everyone else heading out. Honestly, I’m not sure if I made the right choice in taking this job."

Oof. That’s a rough first day. And once that seed of doubt is planted, it’s hard to pull it out.

Here’s the thing: Making a good first impression as a team isn’t rocket science. It just takes a little prep and a little care. Here’s what I mean:

1. Know when people are starting. Put their arrival date on your calendar. Make sure everyone on the team knows someone new is joining.

2. Assign a buddy. Give them someone to shadow for the first week or two. Ideally, someone who’s positive, organized, and actually likes working with people.

3. Pre-arrival contact. Have their buddy or supervisor shoot them a quick message the week before: "Hey! Looking forward to meeting you Monday. Let me know if you have any questions before then."

4. Welcome packet. Nothing fancy. Just something with a site map, contact list, basic safety protocols, maybe even a schedule or recent progress photos. Bonus points if it includes a few lunch spot recommendations.

5. Meaningful day-one tasks. Even if it’s just reviewing drawings or checking quantities, give them something real to chew on. Nobody wants to feel like a temp.

These are simple, human things. But they matter. They show your new team member that you're organized, that you care about their experience, and that they’re joining a team that has its act together.

Because the truth is, you're not just welcoming someone to a job—you're setting the tone for how they perceive everything that follows. And if we want to build high-performing teams that stick together through thick and thin, that impression better be a good one.

So yeah, first impressions? They still count. Just don’t forget, you’re making one too.