5 Things to Avoid When Starting a New Job

Starting a new job is exciting, no matter how much professional experience you may have. But it can also be stressful, and the first few weeks at your new firm can make or break how your boss and co-workers perceive your skills, personality fit and ability to do the job. If you’re not fitting into the office culture, it could hamper your ability to succeed with your team and organization.

Avoiding many new-hire faux pas is easy if you know what to do. Here are 5 common issues to avoid as you move into your new role:

1. Showing Up Late

Being late for work reflects negatively on your overall professionalism when you’re new to the job. Punctuality is important in general, but when you’re a new hire, you’re under the microscope. To ensure you’re on time, try arriving at work 15 minutes ahead of time – especially if there’s a meeting scheduled at the start of the day. Doing so will show your manager and co-workers that you’re serious about your job and being part of the team.

2. Dissing your Former Employer

You want to be seen as a professional – and talking negatively or gossiping about your former company is not helpful. While it may feel good to “unload” to your new colleagues about your former work situation, you’re actually setting yourself up to being an “office gossip” – someone to be avoided or not taken seriously. Your new coworkers might also assume you’ll speak poorly of them as well. Keep your former gripes to yourself and focus on doing a great job with your new company.

3. Checking your Phone

We all use our phones during the day. But for the first month, keep your phone in your desk drawer or purse. Being seen checking personal texts or emails leaves the impression that you’re not working hard or aren’t committed to your new workplace. At least during the first week or two, use your personal phone only during breaks. Once you see what the office norm is – and you’re considered part of the team – you can have your phone on your desk.

4. Being a Know-It-All

Of course you want to make a good impression at a new job. But there’s a fine line between being proactive and coming across as a know-it-all. Unless asked by your manager, refrain from suggesting new policies or strategies during your first few weeks. There will be plenty of time for that, and as you start out you want to be seen as a team player.

5. Not Asking for Help

As a new-hire, you’re not expected to know everything. Asking questions is part of on-the-job learning and by skipping asking even the most basic questions, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Rather than making a mistake that could cost the company time and money, ask about everything you need to know. One way to do this is to see if a co-worker will be your office  “buddy” as you learn the ropes.

Inter-Connect is a free permanent, temporary and temp-to-hire placement service agency that partners with companies throughout the Illinois, Missouri and Iowa Tri-State region. We’re experts in staffing who enable our job candidates to confidentially connect with the right opportunity and advance your career. To learn more, contact us today.