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Starting a new job can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. You want to make a great impression, learn the ropes quickly, and show your new team they made the right choice hiring you. But the first day is not the time to wing it. While there’s no way to be perfect out of the gate, there are things you can definitely avoid that will help you start off on the right foot.
Here are eight things you should never do on your first day on the job—and what to do instead.
Show Up Late
Being late on day one sends the message that you’re either disorganized, unprepared, or not taking the opportunity seriously. Even if the office culture is laid-back, your first impression is still being formed the moment you walk in the door. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. If something truly unavoidable happens, communicate it as early as possible.
Promptness shows you’re reliable and respectful of everyone’s time—and that goes a long way in earning trust early on.
Come in Without Doing Any Research
Your first day isn’t just about being trained—it’s also about showing initiative. If you walk in without having read up on the company, its mission, recent news, or who’s who on your team, you’ll look unprepared. Even worse, it could come off like you’re not invested in being there and that’s a huge mistake.
Take time to review the company website, social media, and any employee resources you were given ahead of time. A little homework can make you sound confident and ready to engage.
Act Like You Already Know Everything
Even if you’re highly qualified for the role, your first day is not the time to show off. Overconfidence or dismissiveness toward training or company procedures can be a major turn-off to colleagues and managers. It can make you seem arrogant and resistant to learning, which could stall your progress before it even begins.
Instead, ask thoughtful questions, take notes, and be humble enough to learn—even if you’ve “done this before.”
Gossip or Overshare
It’s natural to want to bond with coworkers, especially if you’re looking for ways to ease into a new environment. But getting too personal too fast or diving into gossip—especially about former workplaces—can raise red flags.
Keep conversations professional and positive. You’ll have plenty of time to build real connections, but starting with mutual respect and boundaries sets a stronger foundation.
Ignore the Workplace Culture
Every company has its own unique vibe. Whether it’s open communication, quiet focus, or collaborative meetings, it’s crucial to read the room and adapt accordingly. If you come in talking loudly, overstepping team dynamics, or treating it like your old job, you risk alienating yourself.
Observe how others communicate and behave. Pay attention to dress codes, Slack etiquette, and meeting styles. Your ability to pick up on subtle cues will help you fit in without losing your individuality.
Ask About Time Off Too Soon
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There’s nothing wrong with having pre-scheduled commitments or wanting to understand your PTO policy. But launching into questions about vacation time or flexible hours before you’ve even logged your first hour of work can seem tone-deaf.
If you do have pre-planned time off, it should have been discussed during hiring or onboarding. For everything else, give it a little time—get settled in, prove your reliability, and then revisit scheduling conversations.
Forget to Show Gratitude
It may seem simple, but forgetting to thank the people helping you get settled can leave a bad taste. Managers, HR reps, and coworkers who take time to onboard you want to feel like their effort is appreciated.
Saying a genuine “thank you,” following up with a quick message of appreciation, or even showing up with a good attitude goes a long way. Gratitude helps build relationships and shows emotional intelligence—two things that matter more than you might think.
Stay Quiet All Day
While it’s smart to observe and not dominate the room on day one, staying too quiet can come off as detached or disinterested. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room, but make an effort to engage, introduce yourself, and show some enthusiasm.
Your first day is a great time to start building rapport. Smile, ask others about their roles, and express interest in how you’ll be working together. Confidence doesn’t mean taking over—it means showing you care enough to connect.
Your First Day Sets the Tone
Getting the first day right isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness. Every interaction you have is part of a larger picture that your new coworkers and supervisors are forming. The good news? You have control over how that picture looks.
Be punctual, stay humble, observe the culture, and show a willingness to learn. That’s what turns a new hire into a valued team member quickly.
Have you ever made a first-day mistake you wish you could take back—or witnessed someone else do it? What would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your story.
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Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.
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