10 mistakes you should avoid as a new hire.
I know how thrilling it is to land a new job. Wow! after umpteen interviews, finally! At first, it may be a little awkward if you don't know anyone at the office, but eventually, you'll get into the groove of things. I know how it is at a new workplace, working with people of different backgrounds and wanting to play your active part as a team member. It can be difficult to find your footing at times and If you aren't careful, you might get off to the wrong start. I remember my very first job and my first day as a new hire. Below I'll share ten mistakes that you should avoid as a new hire.
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1. Don't go about broadcasting personal matters about your life.
Be careful how soon you choose to become best buds with your new co-workers. It's okay to build healthy work relationships but you must learn how to separate work-related matters from your personal life. You don't know who these people are and what their intentions are. There's always this one person who's into everyone's business. They want to know all the ins and outs of everyone's personal life. If you don't want your personal life to become a hot topic. Don't go about spreading your business as a new hire around the office. It will bite you!
2. Don't do what you see old hires are doing (breaking the rules).
Yeah, I know you don't want to be the odd one out or a jerk, but don't attempt to break the rules that you see old hires breaking. They have been around much longer than you and by now they know how to get around them. You don't! Remember what you learned in orientation. Be cool and follow the rules.
3. Your boss is not your friend.
Your boss is your boss! Not your friend! Do your job and go home. Don't go about befriending your boss to earn their favor. It won't make any difference if they have to fire you or make you redundant. They will if they have to. It's a part of their duty to keep the business up and running. Keep it strictly professional, strictly business!
4. Avoid being late.
Try to be on time for work. You wouldn't want to be fired for tardiness. Remember that when you are a new hire in most cases there is a probationary period which means that you aren't officially hired and either you or the company can terminate the contract within that time.
5. Stay away from office gossip and office romances.
As far as possible stay clear of office gossip and office romances. For your own good do your work and go home. Don't go about minding people's business or talking bad about your co-workers. Turn away from every juicy gossip you hear brewing. Be wary of office romances, they don't always work out as planned and when they get real sour. They are really sour! Spare yourself some embarrassment and unnecessary drama. Trust me, you wouldn't want to be on the wrong end if the matter is brought to HR. You can face actions up to and including termination.
6. Don't go about telling everyone your salary amount.
Be careful about disclosing your salary amount to your team members. You wouldn't want to become public enemy number one and you wouldn't want to create any unnecessary tension among team members who believe that you shouldn't be paid at a higher/ same rate as them. Believe me, you can be hated for this, keep your salary amount to yourself!
7. Be open and willing to learn
Pay close attention to what you are being taught in training and shadowing. Ask relevant questions, show interest in what you are being taught. Shadowing can be boring at times, try not to get your shadow partner frustrated when they are trying to teach you and get their work done at the same time.
8. Don't sleep on the job
Try to get sufficient rest and be prepared for work each day. The last thing you want to be doing as a new hire is sleep on the job. There's no place for that. You were hired to work, sleep at home.
9. Follow the dress code policy.
Be appropriately dressed for work at all times. Follow the guidelines within the company's handbook. HR isn't your friend, avoid going there for things that you have control of. They are not afraid to fire you!
10. Don't argue with the security
They can be a handful sometimes but cooperate with them. Allow your bags to be properly searched if that's a requirement. Don't argue with the security, they're doing their job too. Remember it's your job, not your home.
In closing, you don't need to walk on thin ice when you are a new hire. Just do what you are paid to do, mind your business, leave personal matters at home, be an active team player, maintain healthy relationships with your co-workers, get paid, and go home.
