It is always easier to make the wrong impression than a good
one on your first day at work. It is the nature of a human being to be
judgmental, and indeed, people judge really fast. So if you want to create a
good image and positive impression on your very first day in the company, here
are some of the worst behaviors you should avoid at all costs.
1. Going to work looking tired.
Fatigue can definitely make you perform poorly and it also
affects your productivity. And so, showing up at work looking tired will make
your employer have second thoughts about keeping you in the workplace. Plus,
you don’t want to be considered by your coworkers as someone who is
unprofessional and does not take his/her job seriously.
2. Choosing inappropriate attire.
People get judged easily by the way they dress up, and this
also happens in the workplace. Before you even go to work on your first day of
employment, you should have an idea already of the company’s dress code. Make
sure you choose a clean and well-ironed outfit that reflects the dress code.
Equally important is that you look hygienic.
3. Being an open book on your first day.
There is nothing wrong about sharing information about
yourself to your colleagues, but do not overdo it on your first day at work. It
is possible that your coworkers are interested to know stuff about you, but it
is unlikely that they want to know ‘everything’ about you.
4. Complaining.
You may have a rough time on your way to work, but keep in
mind that it’s none of your coworkers’ business. Nobody likes to work with
someone who keeps whining and complaining. Plus, negativity in the workplace is
always undesirable, so if you want to be disliked this early, then verbalize
all your complaints.
5. Turning down lunch invites.
Since you are new in the workplace, chances are that your
officemates will invite you to lunch, or coffee perhaps. When they do, you
shouldn’t turn them down. You need to realize that it is their way of welcoming
you as the newest member of the family, so rejecting them could mean
unwillingness on your part to be with them.
6. Doing things your way.
If you were not changing careers and just came from a different organization in the same industry as
your current company, chances are you will be given similar tasks and
responsibilities. In that case, you have to be careful not to try to do things
the way you would do them when you were in your previous job. Every
organization has a unique culture and ways of doing tasks. Make sure you get
acquainted with how people in your current company do their jobs and get used
to it as well.
