It's usual that you’re so worried about making a good impression that you might forget the dos and don’ts when starting a new job. Don’t feel the need to change or censor yourself but it is important to remember workplace etiquette. To help you settle into your new workplace, here are a few dos and don’ts when starting a new job.
The most important of the dos and don’ts when starting a new job is watch your humour! You may be the funniest among all your friends but remember "birds of a feather, flock together." In other words, what you and your friends might find funny might not necessarily be the same for others. Stay away from dry humour or humour that could be taken offensively. Once you get to know your co-workers better, you’ll have a better idea of what is or isn’t okay to poke fun at.
Every company has their own set of policy and procedures and their own reason behind each one of them. Although none of these "rules" are written in stone and suggestions are much appreciated, be careful not to talk down your co-workers, your boss or the procedures at your new workplace just because you might not necessarily agree with them. Give it time and you might understand why things are done differently than what you’re used to.
Now that the interview is done and you’ve been hired, don’t let your standards drop. Being comfortable at work is one thing but being sloppy is another. The amount of time you put in to your "work look" indirectly says a lot about how you feel about your job. If your hair is a mess and your clothes are wrinkled on a daily basis, your new co-workers will take notice.
Most co-workers are super welcoming to new hires. However, there can be the odd few who like to fill you in on more than where’s the best place to get coffee on your break. Try to avoid gossip, rumours and negative impressions of colleagues based solely on the chatty co-worker who is more unprofessional than professional.
Showing an immediate interest in your career development and growth goes over well with the big bosses. Your superiors will appreciate your hard work, dedication and eagerness and provide you with additional job training if they see you fit for a promotion in the future. This is especially important if you have an entry level position.
At your last job you might have had tenure, more responsibility and more authority. At your new job, you’re given tasks that require less than one brain cell. Regardless, don’t dismiss your new job just yet. Again, if you show eagerness and hard work, your superiors and co-workers will take notice. First impressions are usually wrong so give your new job a good 6-9 months before deciding to move on.
Manners go a long way. Besides the usual "please" and "thank you," there are other ways to be polite. For instance, always engage in eye contact when someone is speaking to you. However, make sure you know the difference between being polite and sucking up.
Starting a new job can be nerve wracking – you want to make a good impression with your new co-workers and be immediately noticed by your bosses (for good reasons). It’s always important to be yourself but make sure you’re also maintaining a professional atmosphere. What is a major do or don’t when you start a new job?