Starting a new role as an administrative professional comes with a mix of excitement and pressure especially when it comes to making a great first impression with your boss. As the person who manages their schedule, correspondence, and often their sanity, you play a key role in their success. How you present yourself in those first few interactions can set the tone for your entire working relationship. Your first week is all about observation, adaptation, and professionalism.

First impressions aren’t just about how you present yourself but also how well you read the room. Take note of your boss’s communication style, workflow, and preferences. Do they prefer email over in-person updates? Are they a morning person, or do they come alive after their third cup of coffee? The sooner you learn their habits, the smoother your interactions will be.

Your introduction should be confident but not overbearing. A simple, “Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I’m excited to be working with you. I look forward to supporting you and the team” is enough. If the opportunity arises, ask a question like, “What’s one thing I can take off your plate right away?” This shows initiative without overstepping.

An admin professional’s secret weapon is knowing what’s important to their boss before they do. Start by reviewing their calendar, upcoming deadlines, and meeting cadence. If possible, sit in on meetings to understand who they interact with most and what their pain points are. The goal is to become an extension of their thought process when it comes to scheduling and prioritization.

Your first week shouldn’t just be about waiting for instructions. If you notice gaps in a process or foresee scheduling conflicts, speak up (respectfully). Being proactive shows that you’re already thinking ahead, which will make your boss trust you faster.

Some executives like daily check-ins, while others prefer a weekly summary of tasks. Ask them how they’d like to be updated. A simple question like, “Would you prefer a morning briefing or an end-of-day wrap-up?” helps establish clarity and prevent miscommunication.

As an admin, you may have access to sensitive company information or personal details about your boss. Treat this information with discretion from day one. Trust is hard to build but easy to lose so always keep professionalism at the forefront.

The first few weeks in a new role can feel like information overload, but staying composed and positive will make a lasting impression. If you don’t know something, ask. If you make a mistake, own it and correct it. Your resilience and adaptability will speak volumes.

Once you’ve settled in, start looking for ways to add value beyond your daily tasks. Can you streamline a process? Introduce a new tool that makes their workflow easier? By continuously demonstrating your value, you’ll establish yourself as an indispensable part of the team.

First impressions matter, but they’re just the beginning. The real key to success as an admin pro is consistency. This is achieved by showing up every day as a problem-solver, a reliable support system, and a trusted right hand. If you start off strong and keep building on that foundation, you’ll not only impress your boss but also position yourself for long-term success in your career.