8 Things You Should NEVER Do at Your New Job

If you just landed a new job, you should yearn to make a positive first impression. Starting a new job can make you feel excited and anxious at the same time. The new opportunity is an avenue to make new friends, learn more things, and enhance your skills. 

One important thing about the new job is to avoid behaviors that could create a negative impression. We’ve compiled eight of the most ignored behaviors that adversely affect how the company and colleagues view you. 

1. Don’t Be Late

Arriving late at your workplace is the easiest way to mess up your first impression. Timekeeping has been a crucial aspect of our daily lives from back in our school days. The best way to avoid arriving late at your workplace is to create a routine and finding the shortest route. 

Give yourself some allowance for every routine to accommodate any forgotten or spontaneous event. For instance, if it takes you 30 minutes to drive to the office, add around 20 minutes in case there is road construction, traffic, or anything that might cause a delay. 

Try popular apps such as Google Maps to determine the shortest route to your workplace. Having such an app on your smartphone will expedite decision-making and help you familiarize yourself with the locality. 

2. Don’t Dress Shabbily

The dress code for your new job may be difficult to figure out, but it all depends on your working environment. Be sure to inquire from the hiring manager about any dress codes and make sure you understand what they expect once you report for duty on day one. 

It would be an obvious blunder to walk into your first meeting wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers when you’re supposed to look corporate. 

3. Don’t Skip Training

Training is usually a requirement for new hires to orient them for the tasks ahead. The programs help you understand the new post and quickly adapt to the job. So, you shouldn’t ignore any orientation sessions scheduled by your employer. 

After the training, you should clearly understand every role you’re supposed to play and the company expectations. So, pay close attention to the details, take notes, and apply whatever you learn in the program. Also, be your best throughout training, as your managers will probably be assessing your attitude and behavior during the process. 

4. Don’t Leave Your Work to Co-Workers

A new job is stressful and scary at times, so you may be tempted to seek assistance from co-workers. However, expecting co-workers to handle your tasks is a quick way to piss them off and turn them into enemies. Having a difficult task doesn’t mean you should forward it to the nearest co-worker. Just because co-workers were friendly to guide you through the first days doesn’t mean they’ll be okay handling some of your assignments.

It is worth remembering that you were selected among numerous job applicants because you proved that you were capable of knocking the tasks out of the park. Sure, you can ask for help, but this shouldn’t be so nagging to encourage an unhealthy relationship with co-workers.  

5. Avoid Unnecessary Private Calls

When you’ve just started a new job, it’s always a good idea to draw a line between your professional and personal life. Picking a lot of private calls and chatting during working hours will create a negative impression on co-workers and employers. If some of the frequent calls are coming from close friends and relatives, it’s wise to ask them to stop. 

Let the frequent callers know that you just landed a new job, and you’ll only be available for chats during lunch hours or in the evening after work. 

6. Don’t Request a Pay Raise

In rare circumstances, new hires change mind and ask for a higher salary. If you had enough time to discuss your salary and other benefits during the interview, asking for salary increment few days into the job would make a horrible impression. 

Be satisfied with what you signed for, and perhaps you can expect a raise once you’ve worked long in the company and proved you’re worth more. 

7. Don’t Be an Office Gossip

A new job comes with excitement and the urge to make new friends and fit in. However, these should not be pursued through gossip. Sure, gossip is common in every workplace, but listening and saying nothing is wise. 

Listening helps you learn important things about the company or managers, but diving in and contributing would create a negative first impression. Plus, you don’t want to be classified as a notorious office gossip. 

8. Don’t Tell Lies

Joining a new team means that you have a lot to learn, and everyone understands that. So, they expect you to make a few mistakes in the first weeks. 

If the manager assigns you a task that you know nothing about, don’t promise exemplary results. Instead, be honest and ask for some help. Letting the manager know that you need help will show that you’re straightforward, genuine, and willing to learn. 

Create A Good Impression at Your New Job

New job posting comes with new rules and regulations, and the employers may be watching you closely. Don’t copy everything the co-workers do, such as arriving late or gossiping. Avoid all the things we’ve highlighted here to ensure that you kick-start your career on the right foot and make the best impression.