What to Avoid in Your First Days at a New Job

Starting a new job can feel a lot like being the new kid at school or walking into an unfamiliar social event: exciting but nerve-wracking. The way you handle those first days and weeks sets the tone for your future there, so it’s important to make a positive impression.

Your aim should be to avoid becoming “that awkward new person.” Worse outcomes include colleagues wondering how you got the role or simply overlooking you. To stand out in a positive way, be friendly, observant, enthusiastic and quick to learn. Equally important is avoiding common missteps. If you steer clear of the behaviors below, your early days at work will likely be much smoother.

Don’t Talk Excessively About Your “Ex”

Leave stories about your previous workplace, boss, or cafeteria to a minimum. New colleagues don’t need to hear detailed comparisons or long complaints about a former job. Treat the new role as a fresh opportunity. Don’t let past problems or nostalgic comparisons cloud your judgment—observe, learn, and focus on the potential of your current position.

Don’t Hide in Your Cubicle

Especially if you’re introverted, it’s tempting to keep your head down and eat lunch at your desk. But making the effort to meet coworkers—joining someone in the break room or striking up a conversation at the coffee station—helps build rapport. Appearing glued to your screen may signal hard work, but it can also come across as aloof. Balance focused work with small social interactions.

Don’t Share Your Life Story

Relationship-building should be gradual. Keep early conversations professional rather than oversharing personal details. Over time you’ll form closer friendships, but at the start, avoid divulging anything you might later regret or that could make colleagues uncomfortable.

Don’t Talk About Controversial Topics

Strong opinions on politics or other hot-button issues can spark division. Avoid diving into debates with people you barely know. If someone presses you, defuse the conversation with a light, neutral comment and steer it toward safer topics until you better understand the workplace culture.

Don’t Take Calls on Speakerphone

Speakerphone conversations, loud music, persistent pen-clicking and other noisy habits quickly annoy coworkers—especially in open office layouts. Even if these behaviors were acceptable at your prior job, respect the new environment. Also avoid foul language and observe the company’s standard of professional conduct.

Don’t Funk Up the Office Microwave

Avoid heating strong-smelling foods, burning popcorn or leaving splattered messes in communal appliances. Clean up after yourself and don’t store expired or moldy food in the fridge or desk drawers. These small courtesies matter, and as a new hire you should be extra mindful of shared spaces.

Don’t Act Like a Know-It-All During Job Training

Even with prior experience, respect the training process—which is tailored to company-specific tools and workflows. Pay attention, note differences from your previous roles, and ask thoughtful, advanced questions when appropriate. This shows engagement and readiness to take on more complex responsibilities.

Don’t Send Bad Body Language Signals

Nonverbal cues matter. Avoid slouching, looking at your phone during meetings, or failing to make eye contact—these can suggest disinterest. Sit upright, focus on the speaker, silence notifications, and take notes. Respect coworkers’ personal space: don’t be a “close talker,” sneak up behind someone, or hover over a workstation. Knock or call out before approaching a cubicle.

Don’t Break the Social Media Rules

Learn the company’s social media policy. Some organizations restrict personal or professional posting during work hours, while others encourage sharing company news. Even outside work hours, be mindful of whether you need a disclaimer that your views are your own. Employees have faced repercussions for ignoring these policies, so clarify expectations early.

Don’t Ask for Time off or to Leave Early

Even if the workplace is relaxed about schedules, avoid requesting late starts or early departures in your first weeks unless you disclosed a prior commitment during hiring. Demonstrating reliability early builds trust and shows respect for team norms.

Don’t Be Late

Arrive early so you’re settled and ready when the day begins. Likewise, don’t rush out the door the instant the clock hits quitting time—spend a few minutes tidying your workspace and prepping for the next day. Punctuality and preparedness make a strong impression.

Don’t Neglect to Set Boundaries

Be helpful, but avoid setting a precedent where others offload their responsibilities onto you. If your manager or colleagues expect constant after-hours availability, establish reasonable limits—such as turning off notifications after a set time—so you protect your personal life while remaining a reliable team member.

Don’t Wait Around for Someone to Tell You What to Do Next

Onboarding varies by company, and sometimes you’ll finish assigned tasks quickly. Be proactive—ask your supervisor for more work, offer to shadow teammates, or use downtime to learn relevant tools and systems. Demonstrating initiative shows you’re engaged and eager to contribute.

Don’t Miss the Dress Code Cues

If there’s no formal dress code, observe how others present themselves before assuming a style. When uncertain, ask if casual wear like jeans is appropriate. If you favor bold hairstyles or piercings, consider toning them down during work hours until you know the company’s culture better.

Don’t Try to Wing It

Employers appreciate initiative, but it’s perfectly acceptable—and expected—to ask questions when you’re new. Whether it’s completing timesheets or setting up system logins, ask for clarification rather than guessing and risking mistakes. When you receive guidance, write it down so you don’t repeat the same questions.