Since you can’t make a first impression twice, it’s important not to screw up right at the start of your new job. The interview is over, but the informal tests are in full swing. Try not to make the following seven common mistakes, and everything will definitely work out!
Be late
Even if you were hired without a probationary period, it is important to correctly assess your capabilities. You cannot know the traffic situation for sure and perfectly navigate a new building. Even being 2-3 minutes late will make a bad first impression of your time management skills and commitment in general. By being late, you demonstrate your disrespect for new colleagues and the rules that apply to everyone.
Avoid meeting with superiors
The most important meeting you will have in your first week is meeting your immediate superior. It is not enough to see the manager in the hallway – you need to establish contact and lay the foundation for future loyalty to you as an employee. If the management does not initiate a meeting on their own, do not hesitate to ask for one. Clarify which project is a priority now and how you can be useful, ask for professional advice – all this will help you better understand the situation in the company and improve relations.
Be frank
Try not to confuse openness with closeness. Readiness to communicate is not a reason to share intimate details of your personal life with everyone who is ready to support the conversation. It takes time to really get close to people you barely know, and no amount of revelations will allow you to find friends at work impromptu. Talkativeness and an abundance of strictly personal information will only scare people away. Do not force things, otherwise your colleagues will start avoiding you.
Demonstrate self-confidence
Even if you are a specialist with unique experience, do not forget that you are in a new place, with your own rules, approach and even traditions. If something works differently, not as you are used to, give yourself time to understand and look closely at the processes, do not rush with comments and remarks. Remember that excessive confidence in your own competence will bring you more enemies than allies. No one likes know-it-alls – ask more questions and refrain from categorical statements.
Ignore the dress code
If you weren’t told about a dress code when you were hired, it doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Try to figure out how to dress before your first day at work. The dress code may even be unspoken – if you’re unsure about the appropriateness of your outfit, discuss the issue with your new colleagues. In any case, avoid bright and provocative items of clothing at first – your reputation is also based on your appearance, so it’s better to attract attention with professionalism than with an excessively deep neckline.
Wasting time
As soon as you start a new job, don’t forget to take advantage of the “novelty effect” – this is your strategic advantage. It may be difficult for you to remember all your new colleagues at once, but you are already guaranteed to be the center of attention – as a rule, everyone knows about the newcomer, and this situation can and should be turned to your advantage.
It doesn’t take much – just take the time to introduce yourself and meet as many people as possible. Otherwise, you may be seen as withdrawn and uncommunicative, even if that’s not the case.
To gossip
In a team, especially a large one, there may be conditionally hostile “groups” that may decide to get their hands on you. Do not rush to get involved in gossip about anyone – speak about other employees only in a positive way and do not succumb to provocations. It is impossible to win a game whose rules you do not know. Everything has its time!