New Job No-Nos: Five Top Tips for Your First Day at the Office

I started a new job just a few weeks ago. It was a lovely first day in many ways, with everyone on my new team being very kind to the new girl. But I was so warm and sweaty as I was introduced to a tonne of new people, tried to remember names and figure out where the ‘on’ button is on a Mac that I fell into bed exhausted that day at about 9pm, having of course forgotten every single person’s name for the second day.

After a few weeks on the job, it has settled, as have I. I am less nervously sweaty on a daily basis, which is helping me to make friends and such. And I know a bit more about what my job is (always key, you know, at work) and more importantly I know which milk is communal, and which people are likely to say ‘yes’ to a cupán tae when offered.

Before starting the job, I became a bit obsessed with researching career advice (despite the fact that a lot of 'experts' seem to give conflicting advice). I read lots, and felt I had a good idea about what I should do and how I should comport myself. However there was a dearth of advice on what not to do. And, because nature abhors that vacuum, here I am to share my top tips on what NOT to do at a new job.

• Don’t people please

I’m starting with the one that I probably find hardest to abide by.

My instincts are to make friends with the folk around me, to be chatty, tell embarrassing stories about myself to set people at ease, and generally be quite sociable. However, in this new job I have actively tried to avoid making this kind of first impression. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not modelling myself on Meryl in the Devil Wears Prada or anything (though I do think she was awesome in that film). I am instead keen to be appreciated and respected for the quality of my work first, and my friendliness second.

• Don’t keep your head down

It is so easy to feel overwhelmed in a new job, and to feel uncomfortable constantly reminding your colleagues how little you know. It is far better to ask questions than to keep quiet though. Not only does it help you to learn, it also shows a willingness to learn and come to grips with a job quickly. Similarly, it is far better to know what an acronym means after its first puzzling mention than to wait for weeks on end, intensively Googling with no results, and then blurt out ‘What does that mean?!!’ in a full board-room….trust me.

• Don’t insult or criticise current practice too harshly…

You may be working beside the person who dreamt it up. That’s not to say you shouldn’t cast a critical eye over operations etc. while fresh and new – that kind of perspective can be very useful – but be sure to give your criticism diplomatically.

• Don’t dress too casually

I know, I know – for a night out my advice would be the opposite: when in doubt, dress down not up in case you end up in a pub in your stilettos rather than the club you’d dressed up for. But for work, it’s important to show that you are taking it seriously, and that you expect to be taken seriously in turn.

Better to rock up on day one in your smart work clothes and semi-high heels, than to arrive in your jeans only to look like the TY student on work experience. Sounds a small thing, and it’s probably not fair to be judged on your apparel, but treat that first day as you did the interview and dress accordingly until you know the lay of the land at least.

• Don’t forget about first impressions

They’re long-lasting, and you want to make a good one. For the first couple of weeks, be early, not late; be clear when both giving and receiving instructions; and be direct without being rude. In other words, start as you mean to go on.

What are your top dos and don’ts for new jobs? We'd love to hear them so share with us below!