What to Avoid During Your First Days at Your new job

A new staff member or employee will almost always be nervous during their first few months as they try to understand their new environment. This period can be both the best and the worst because you may not yet know the real culture, expectations, and norms that the company accepts – or rejects.

During these early stages of employment, it is advisable to remain calm but proactive so you do not make rookie mistakes that could damage your reputation in your first days at the workplace. The best practice is to always consult whenever you are in doubt. Do not rush to handle everything when you are not sure. Yes, you may have experience from school or a previous workplace, but to avoid misunderstandings and doing something your new employer dislikes, seek guidance as much as possible.

Many new employees – especially those who have never been employed before – tend to get excited when they land their first job. In that excitement, they often commit obvious and worrying mistakes, such as trying too hard to prove to the rest of the staff that they know everything. They move around the office unnecessarily, involve themselves in every discussion, and try to answer every question. Some are even seen knocking on their boss’s door repeatedly, attempting to impress or appease them. This behavior is off-putting.

Remember, every workplace has its own politics. It is unwise to involve yourself in these politics during your early days. Nothing can go wrong faster than that. A strict employer or manager may quickly mark you as a problematic employee, and before you even understand what is happening, you could find yourself receiving a dismissal letter.

Avoid being everywhere and trying to be everything when you are new. It is prudent to practice restraint by focusing on your job description and the duties assigned to you. It can be very disappointing to make rookie mistakes that annoy your colleagues. Once they begin sidelining you because of your behavior, your working environment may become uncomfortable, and you might eventually choose to resign – because you can never win against the majority.

Final verdict: Be calm and professional at your workstation. Only discuss what is necessary and avoid office politics. Office politics are for staff who have been there long enough to understand the environment. It is unwise to pretend to know the dynamics of your new workplace when you have only been there a few months. The consequences may be beyond your control.