If you’ve been in the workforce for a while, chances are you’ve worked for at least two different companies. While the excitement of starting a new job is great, it’s important to get a strong start by making a good first impression with your coworkers. Here are 5 behaviors to avoid when joining a new company.
1) Jumping to Ask Questions
When you first start your job your colleagues will tell you, “if there’s anything you need don’t hesitate to ask,” and “let me know if I can help you out in any way!” Please do not take this literally.
Of course you will have certain roadblocks and questions to overcome when you start a new job, but by no means should you bring every one of them to the table. Doing so can turn your coworkers off and make you look needy.
Know when it’s appropriate to bring up your queries. Do your best to figure things out on your own – it will show others your willingness to learn and grant you more autonomy down the road.
2) Only Interacting with Your Department
Coming into a new company can be nerve wracking, and many people will tend to stick to those close to them. It’s essential that you break this mold within the first week and become visible to other departments/people within the organization.
I’m not telling you to take a half day going workstation to workstation. I’m saying don’t be afraid to introduce yourself when you see folks in common areas. I guarantee you can make a work friend or two in the break room between the morning coffee and lunchtime rushes. Your connections will branch over time, just be sure to get your name out there.
3) Rushing Your Work
As with any new relationship, you will be eager to prove your worth up front. This can cause you to rush your work to try to show how productive you can be. I’m all about productivity, but DO NOT pump out work without minimally double checking it for accuracy. There’s nothing worse than missing a blatant mistake and having to re-do something in your first couple of weeks.
4) Pushing Back On Your Superiors
Until you prove yourself, you are constantly being evaluated by your superiors. Unless it is something obvious, you need to earn the right to push back when it comes to opinions on certain things. Immediately showing resistance can come off as stubborn and difficult to work with (even if not the case). The right to push back comes with time, and as your relationship gets stronger you’ll be able to test the waters.
5) Not Tracking Your Work
It’s easy to come in, put your head down and take care of your individual responsibilities as a new employee. However, in order to show your value and build your personal brand, you need to keep track of your accomplishments from the very beginning.
For creatives, make sure you keep backup copies of your work for your portfolio. For others, track your KPI’s and how that correlates to hitting a departmental or company goal. You’ll thank me when you’re trying to advance within the company or find a new role.
What other behavioral recommendations would you avoid as a new hire? Comment below or tweet me @TheDavisCos or @BenKeylor.
