Job expert warns of 10 things you should never do on your first day in a new role
You might want to make a good impression on your first day, but it's important not to get swept up
The first day of a new job is always going to be daunting. You don't know anyone, you don't really know what you're doing, and you just want to make it through the day without spilling food on yourself or accidentally breaking everything.
Basically, the first day of a new job is mostly just about making a good impression to your new co-workers, so with that in mind, one expert has shared 10 things you should try to avoid doing when you first clock in.
You might think that offering to do the coffee run and getting there super early to show your enthusiasm is the way to go, but apparently those intended good deeds can actually backfire.
At least, that's according to Rob Phelps, a PR strategist and the founder of DigitalPR.co.uk. Check out his full tips below.
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Don't be a people pleaser
Obviously you want to be nice to people on your first day, but Phelps has warned against saying 'yes to every extra task', laughing at every joke, and prioritizing everyone else's needs over your own.
While people might appreciate it in the moment, Phelps noted: "It’s a recipe for burnout and can weaken the boundaries between your professional and personal life from the minute you start your new job."
Don't stay quiet
If you have a question, ask it.
Phelps explained: "If you’re not being a people pleaser, you could be on the other end of the scale, and not saying a word because you’re scared of saying the wrong thing or asking a ‘stupid’ question.
"Of course, listening is essential on your first day, as you have a lot to learn, but no question is stupid if you don’t know the answer, so don’t be ashamed to ask."
Phelps noted that you don't 'need to be the centre of attention', but try to speak up and 'make yourself seen'.
"Say enough to be noticed, but listen enough to learn," he said.
Don't think you know everything already
Even if you're an expert in your field, things are likely to run a little differently in a new team.
Phelps noted that 'although you have the experience and skills, it doesn’t mean you know exactly what you’re doing yet'.
He continued: "Trying to do everything without understanding the processes of the company means that tasks will take much longer, or simply be done incorrectly, and will start you off on the wrong foot."
Don't avoid introducing yourself
It might feel awkward to interrupt strangers to say hello, but Phelps has advised to start networking as soon as you start.
"Introducing yourself to co-workers displays confidence and self-assurance, so don’t assume that they will automatically introduce themselves to you," he explained.
Plus, the quicker you get to know everyone, the quicker you're integrated as a solid member of the team, rather than watching from the outside.
Don't get ahead of yourself - you're probably still being evaluated
Sure, you might have made it through the door, but you still need to prove the hiring manager made the right choice.
Phelps acknowledged that not every job has a probation period, but 'it’s important to remember that you’re probably still being evaluated on your first day, week, and maybe month'.
"Don’t yawn (no matter how little sleep you got last night due to nerves!) and don’t keep checking your phone," he advised. "Don’t start booking days off as soon as you start, as it can show a lack of commitment – as can clock watching and rushing out of the door the second it hits five o’clock."
Don't get there too early
Sure, you might have been worried about the traffic and set off at an unreasonable hour just to make sure you're not rushing through the door, but if you get there too early the rest of the team might not quite be ready for you.
Phelps explained: "It’s common to start a little later than the rest of the team on your first day, so they have time to prepare your workspace and any admin that needs to be done, so make sure that you arrive on time. Don’t get there too early as they might not be ready for you, and you’ll be awkwardly hanging around while they feel under pressure to finish."
Don't dress incorrectly
It can be hard to know what the dress code is for a workplace if you've never been there before, so it's a good idea to ask about it if you have the chance.
However, Phelps warned that even different dress codes can vary for different people.
"Remember that ‘smart casual’ can mean different things to different people," he warned. "Until you have an idea of the vibe of the office, it’s best to dress smart so you don’t turn up too far on the casual end of the scale.
"Your clothes are your visual identity, much like brand visuals in digital PR, so make sure that you can align with the company culture with what you’re wearing."
Don't not take notes
You'll no doubt learn a lot on your first day, whether it's office layouts, new co-workers or the system you'll need to do your job. Phelps acknowledged that the first day 'can be overwhelming', and as a result you’re 'unlikely to remember every detail you’re told'.
With that in mind, Phelps advised: "Rather than trying to look like you have an incredible memory but not actually remembering anything, take notes of important information, from co-workers’ names to daily tasks and even where the toilets are – you don’t want to keep asking, or not go to the toilet all day because you can’t remember where it is!"
Don't keep talking about how much better the new role is
It's great that you might have got out of a tough workplace, but Phelps noted: "Even if your last job was awful, don’t keep talking about how much better this job is.
"You might think it would be complimentary to your new job, boss, and colleagues, but constant badmouthing of your last job and team from the moment you start can raise concerns and make them think about how you’d talk about them if you left."
Don't be someone you're not
Last but not least, you need to remember to be yourself.
"If you decide to try out a new personality on your first day, it’s going to be difficult to maintain that character long term, and trying to build your reputation in the company as someone you’re not can be exhausting," Phelps said. "Stick to being yourself, without feeling like you need to exaggerate your personality or skills; your professional relationships can build gradually and honestly.
"Authenticity provides strength – for example, in digital PR, brands that constantly change their tone and values lose trust. Your co-workers will notice when your real personality comes through, so make sure you’re you from the start."
Emily Brown