On your first day at a new job, you understandably want to make a good impression. However, all your efforts to remember people's names and get the lay of the land can be undermined if you unwittingly fall into some "first day" traps. Here are some tips for what you shouldn't do if you want to have a great first day on the new job.
Do Not Be Late
Give yourself a little extra time on your first day. Transportation, directions and parking may all be unfamiliar and are apt to take a little longer than you expect. Lay out your first-day outfit the night ahead of time, and don't second guess yourself and try to change outfits at the last minute. Be on time to make a good first impression.
Do Not Be Shy
Make sure to introduce yourself to everyone in the office, and don't be embarrassed to write down the names, positions and office locations of people you meet. Think how embarrassed you might be if you fail to take this step and find yourself misremembering people's names in a couple of weeks. Ask your manager who you should get to know, and see if she can arrange for you to sit down with key people for a few minutes on your first day.
Do Not Underdress
Even if your new office doesn't have an official dress code, you probably had a chance to check out any unofficial dress standards during your interview. Your first day isn't the time to underdress. Remember that you're likely to meet quite a few higher-ups on your first day, and overdress slightly to show respect. Don't wear a brand-new outfit for your first day, however, since you run the risk that it's not as comfortable as you like and can cause a distraction.
Do Not Show Off
You got the job, so you no longer need to show off how much you know about the company or the field. Instead, ask key questions that let you get a sense of office workflow, procedures and politics. Find out who you should go to when you have further questions regarding various topics. Figure out immediately who you want to hang out with at lunch and break time, and use those times to listen and take everything in, rather than trying to impress your new co-workers with how much you know.
Of course you want to make a good first impression when you start a new job. Avoid the pitfalls that can trip you up by inadvertently making you seem disrespectful or arrogant; instead focus on making connections and listening well to learn everything you need to know. With just a little forethought, you can step into your new position with confidence, even on your very first day.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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