Living (and loving) Life
The new job jitters can make us do some silly things, like spill coffee all over ourselves or accidentally step on the boss’s foot. No first day is going to be perfect, and accidents happen. But there are some things you should keep in mind never to do, ever.
Here are six things you should always avoid doing on the first day at a new job:
1 – Show Up Late… or On Time
Does it really need to be said that you should never show up late to your first day of work? Unfortunately, it does, because some people still do it.
But beyond that, you shouldn’t be arriving on time, either. I heard this saying once: “To be on time is to be late; to be early is to be on time.” On your first day of work, you shouldn’t show up any later than fifteen minutes early.
2 – Forget Your Paperwork
The first day usually entails filling out employee paperwork, so don’t forget your two forms of identification. If you were given paperwork to fill out at home, make sure you complete it in full, and do not leave it at home! Any other papers you were given, like copies of contracts or the employee handbook, should come with you, too, just in case anyone asks or you need to refer to them.
3 – Complain about Anything
You do not want to be known as the Negative Nancy (or Ned) around the office. You’re the newest employee, so you don’t yet have the right to complain about or criticize anything that has to do with your job, boss, company, coworkers, or anything at all. Don’t complain about your life in anyway, either, or mention that you’re “so tired!” You must be positive about everything.
4 – Answer Your Cell Phone
If your cell phone rings, that’s a big no-no right there. Why isn’t your phone on silent? Make sure your phone isn’t going to ring while you’re at work, and if it does, do not pick it up, no matter what. Even if you’re worried it’s your kids’ daycare calling to say they fell off the monkey bars, wait until you’re alone to check the message. If you answer your phone you seem rude and flaky.
5 – Forget Your Boss’s Name
When you start at a new place of employment, it can be hard to keep everyone straight. You have lots of new names, titles, and faces to remember, and it’s difficult even for people with memories like elephants. While it’s excusable to forget a coworker’s name and need a reminder, you should never, ever forget your boss’s name, unless you want to make him dislike you.
6 – Hold Your Questions
This is your first day at a new company. No matter how much you know about your job, you don’t know everything about this one in particular. It is expected for new employees to ask questions, and in fact it’s a bad sign if they don’t. Don’t hold your questions for fear of sounding incompetent. It’s better to ask them now than make a mistake later, when you really might look stupid.
About the author: Anthony Curran is a dedicated father and freelance writer who works for APPi Printing in Miami. He has had quite a few jobs in his time and is an expert on how to handle the first day and not mess everything up.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Tim Patterson.