It’s been a tough struggle, but you finally got a new job. After all those months of sending out resumes, filling out applications and interviews, you have now joined the ranks of the employed. Before you settle back and start spending your first paycheck, consider what it will take to keep that job. Interviews are not always grounded in reality, and the first week or so of a new job is like a honeymoon, full of attention and romancing the new employee. The first couple of months can be full of roadblocks. Most terminations or resignations occur in the first 90 days of employment. Here are seven ways you could end up losing that new job.
1. Showing up late. It may be elementary, but showing up on time and ready to work is the #1 most important job success factor. If you’re one of those people who has to have a cup of coffee before your engine revs up in the morning, get to work early so you can fuel up and be ready to go. It’s your responsibility to get to work on time, so have a Plan B for getting to work in any situation.
2. Living in the past. No one wants to constantly hear how you did things at your old job. If it was so perfect, why did you leave?
3. Buddying up to the boss. It’s important to build positive working relationships, but inviting the boss fishing on your boat, or bringing Starbucks every morning will make her suspicious and your co-workers on edge.
4. Remaining clueless. There’s always a lot to learn at any job. Jump in and learn as much and as fast as you can. Be teachable. Ask questions and take instruction graciously. Put your ego aside and admit what you don’t know.
5. Pushing the envelope. Read the employee handbook and follow the rules. If policy says that visible tattoos have to be covered, wear long sleeves to cover the hula dancer tattoo on your forearm or long pants to cover the cute little butterfly on your ankle. Now is not the time to see how much you can get away with.
6. Discussing your job, co-workers or boss on Facebook or Twitter. Social media sites are not as private as you may think. If you have a grievance with someone at work, follow the complaint process. Complaining about your boss or taking shots at co-workers online will come back to haunt you.
7. Slacking off. Put everything you have into your new job. You were hired on your strengths and ability to do the job. Getting the job is one thing, but you need to start being productive quickly. Your boss is evaluating his decision to hire you in the first 90 days, and it’s better to let someone go early than keep someone who isn’t going to work out.
What other mistakes do new employees make that put their jobs in jeopardy? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
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