If I wanted to hear first day of work horror stories, I’m sure there are many of you who may have at least one to tell.   Some may be too embarrassing to tell.  In any case, starting a new job can be exciting and stressful all at the same time.  Getting to know new co-workers and managers, feeling like you have to prove yourself worthy of the position, and fitting into the new culture can be very overwhelming.  It’s like being a new student in high school:  you could either fit right in or tarnish your reputation for years to come.  Here are five common mistakes to avoid on your first day in your new position:

1.        Showing up late.    After your manager has spent days prepping your new work area and completing new hire paperwork, all to make your first day run smoothly, the best way to give the wrong impression is to show up late to work on your first day.  Be sure to prepare everything you will need the night before.  Also, see if your husband or another family member can drop the kids off to school or day care on your first day so that you can focus on getting to work on time both physically and mentally.

2.       Dressing inappropriately.  First impressions do not stop with the job interview.  The way you dress for work on your first day can leave a lasting impression.  Be sure to obtain information on the company’s dress code prior to your first day.  Even if the dress code is business casual, dress a little more professional to be on the safe side.

3.       Getting too comfortable.   So your new co-worker says a little joke to break the ice.  This is not consent for you to tell your funny “TMI” stories or to start conversations about your favorite reality shows.  Also, do not spend half your day over-decorating your work area..  While you want to make your work space your own, you don’t want to spend half your first day doing so.  Use your time wisely to observe, listen, and learn.  I’m pretty sure you will have plenty of time to hang your "too cute" pictures of the kids.  Right now, there is much to know about management expectations and the culture of the new organization you belong to.  How you use this time will play a crucial part in how you will spend your time learning and growing in the weeks to come.

4.       Being a “know it all”.  As mentioned above, your first day is a time to observe, listen, and learn.  Don’t feel the need to prove yourself to the point of making enemies.  Even if you are one of the most highly qualified employees on your team, always remember that everyone else has been with the company longer than you have.  Therefore, they will probably have a lot more valuable information that you can use.  The one good thing about being a new employee is that you are not held accountable for too much.  However, if you spend this time correcting the person training you or cutting someone off mid-sentence because you think you already know what it is they are trying to tell you, chances are you will miss important information that you will be held accountable for in the long run. When a mistake occurs because you did not listen, the last thing your manager will want to hear is that “no one told” you how to do something.  So quietly observe your new surroundings, get an understanding of processes and procedures, and ask questions. Most of all, respect the knowledge of your new colleagues.  This is key in getting them to respect you.

5.       Gossiping.  First of all, you should always steer clear from gossiping co-workers.  This can create a huge block in your career development.  Secondly, if this is your first day, you probably won’t know anyone to have an opinion on them.  Therefore, if a co-worker comes to you with negative information about another employee, quickly change the subject or find a subtle way to let them know that you are not interested in the gossip. 

So, what should you do on your first day?  Start your first day knowing that you are continuing to build your brand.  Be focused, be ambitious, and most of all, be professional.  You should never want a bad first impression to dictate your future success.  Step into your new role with the professionalism and confidence that you need to lead you to your next career endeavors.  Make sure that your first day on the job exemplifies the successful days to come.    The first day of work can be overwhelming.  The key is knowing that no matter how your first day on the job turns out (unless you do something really outlandish, like show up drunk….yes, it happens), what will matter in the end is not how you start your job, but how you finish it.   

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