Congratulations on starting a new job! Your stressful days of job searching and interviewing are over for now. But you have another big task ahead of you: staying at the new job.
What are the biggest mistakes new employees make within their first few months on job? Whether you’re a new graduate just launching your career or a seasoned professional making a career move, take note of this advice to develop a stellar reputation when you start a new job.
- Failing to Ask Questions & Clarify Expectations
Seen as the biggest mistake new hires can make, is not asking enough questions. No one expects you to know it all on day one. Learning the ropes of a new position is hard. Asking questions is a great way to get to know your new coworkers and get settled into the new job.
- Talking Excessively About a Previous Job or Company
The second biggest mistake is talking too much about a past employer or project. Your new employer may not appreciate constant comparisons between your former and current position. Also, refrain from talking negatively about your old job, coworkers or boss. That being said, you don’t need to stifle your insights. If you can apply your experience at another organization to your new projects, share your thoughts freely at the right time. Your expertise is a big part of why you were hired in the first place. As a tip, when you share past experiences with your new workplace, focus on the lessons learned. This will help keep the tone positive and forward-thinking.
- Taking on Too Much Work, Too Soon
A first impression is a lasting impression, so don’t bite off more than you can chew. When employees are starting a new job, many managers assign smaller tasks for a reason. It takes some time to familiarize yourself with a new company, colleagues and workload. At the beginning, it’s much better to focus on the work given to you (and do it well) than take on additional responsibility in an effort to impress your boss. Overextending yourself could lead to missed deadlines and mistakes.
- Ignoring Corporate Culture
The hiring manager chose you because he or she thought you’d be a great fit for the company, not just the position. Hiring managers in today’s workplace, put a great deal of effort in finding top talent who can both thrive in doing the work but also at their company.
Make sure you catch onto the workplace culture and get involved. Does your department go out to lunch every Tuesday or celebrate birthdays and work anniversaries? How does your team collaborate? By respecting unspoken rules and engaging in social activities, you’re letting your coworkers know you’re a team player and want to get to know them beyond email and project deadlines.
- Keeping to Yourself When Starting a New Job
We all know that starting a new job can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. Some employees tend to bury their head in work and avoid interacting with others. While it may be nerve-racking to introduce yourself, it’s important to make the most of your first few months on the job and get to know your teammates and peers throughout the organization. You’ll be partnering with these people on many different projects, and when you can build a professional friendship with colleagues, you’ll both be happier in the jobs and enjoy work more. So, take opportunities – like an office celebration or a simple conversation in the break room or virtually – to learn more about your coworkers versus keeping to yourself.
Starting a new job off on the right foot can seem overwhelming. But by taking the time to observe the office dynamics and get to know your new colleagues, you’ll not only impress your manager with your experience and skills but also your motivation to excel and become a team player.
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