When you apply for a job via email and later receive a message informing you that you’ve been accepted for the position, it’s natural to want to start this job on the right foot.
You aim to leave a positive impression on your boss and new colleagues while being careful to avoid any mistakes. So, you might wonder: what should I avoid in my new job?
Here are 10 important things you should make an effort to avoid and be mindful of in your work, as they can significantly impact the impression you leave on your colleagues and supervisors, as well as your overall success and integration into the workplace.
1. Don’t Be Late
You learned this in school when the teacher penalized latecomers to the first class. Make sure to be on time, especially on your first day. In fact, being late on your first day (or even within the first few weeks) is a surefire way to make a bad impression. To ensure punctuality, try driving to your workplace before your start date to gauge how long the commute takes. Be sure to allow extra time for potential traffic, construction, or other delays.
2. Don’t Dress Too Casually
Before starting your job, talk to the hiring manager or HR representative to understand the dress code at your new workplace. There’s nothing more embarrassing than showing up dressed differently from your peers, which could leave an impression of unprofessionalism.
3. Don’t Skip the Training Session
Many companies require new employees to undergo an orientation or training session before taking on their roles. While it may be tempting to skip or take these sessions lightly, resist that urge! Even if the trainers aren’t your direct supervisors, they observe your behavior. Avoid any actions that might prompt the trainer to report negative impressions to your boss or team.
4. Don’t Expect Help from Everyone
Regardless of your position, there will always be processes, tools, and systems unique to your company. You might learn about them during the training or be expected to pick them up from colleagues. If the training doesn’t cover them, don’t get frustrated. Instead, take the initiative to master the basics on your own.
5. Don’t Rely on Colleagues to Do Your Work
It’s understandable to need help or guidance during the first few weeks in a new job, but asking or expecting colleagues to do your work for you is a quick way to make enemies. Remember, you were hired because the managers believed in your ability to get the job done. Ask for assistance if needed, but trust in your abilities and prove you can handle the work independently.
6. Avoid Excessive Personal Calls
Work hours are for work, right? Your company doesn’t pay you to chat with your spouse or friends. If your family or friends are used to contacting you during work hours, remind them beforehand that you’ll be working specific hours and ask them to avoid calling during that time. Limit personal calls and messages to your lunch break (except in emergencies).
7. Don’t Ask for More Money (Before Starting Work)
You likely discussed your salary with the employer (or recruiter) during the hiring process. Don’t change your mind and ask for a raise before you even start (this often happens when people feel the company needs them and would pay more to keep them – trust me, it’s not the case). If you agreed to the discussed salary during the interview, be content with it. Wait until you’ve worked long enough to prove your value before expecting or requesting a raise.
8. Don’t Try to Change Things Immediately
Of course, you’ll want to leave a good impression and show your new employer they made the right decision in hiring you. However, be cautious about suggesting new policies or strategies in your first few weeks, as it may not be the best way to prove yourself. It could also cause colleagues to feel threatened, suspecting you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder at their expense.
Take the time to understand and learn your role. Over time, you can offer suggestions and changes when appropriate and within your authority.
9. Be Honest
In any new job, there will always be a learning curve, and effective supervisors understand that. If you’re asked to do something or expected to know something you’re unfamiliar with, be honest. Don’t hesitate to say, “I don’t know.” Honesty is a great way to distinguish yourself as genuine.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
(This complements point #4 rather than contradicting it.) You might be so eager to start your new job that you avoid stopping to ask questions. But by skipping the basics, you risk setting yourself up for failure. Instead of making a mistake that could cost the company time and money, ask about everything you need to know – from your job responsibilities to whom to contact for IT issues to how to receive your paycheck.
By following these tips, you’ll be on the path to keeping your job and impressing your boss and colleagues with your professionalism.
