Career Paths

First Day of Job Probation: 5 Things You Should Never Do

The first day of job probation is always the hardest to deal with. You’re worried about making a good impression, being adequately trained and correctly dressed.

Above all, you don’t want to make any blunders. There are indeed certain things you should never do on your first day at work if you want to avoid getting hurt or earning yourself a bad reputation. So let’s look at these 5 things you should never do on your first day of job probation.

5 Don’ts for Your First Days of Work

  1. Make blunders: clearly, you’re not going to know about everything all at once. That’s perfectly normal, and it’s equally important to ask advice before attempting to do something unaided. So consult your colleagues, and avoid making some massive blunder due to ignorance.
  2. Badmouth others: that’s not the best way to make friends in the workplace. You’ll be regarded as a gossip or a blabbermouth if you start making nasty remarks about your colleagues. Remember, you’re the latest addition to the team.
  3. Raise your voice: you can have your say and give your opinion, but quarreling with your boss on your first day at work is totally counterproductive. It’s one thing to express your views, but quite another to try to impose them.
  4. Look miserable: this is your first day on probation, there’s no room for personal problems and a long face. Smile, and try to be proactive and willing to learn. It’s very important to get stuck in straight away if you want to make a good impression and show the boss you’re motivated.
  5. Show you’re not working: even if you’ve got nothing to do, never just sit staring at the screen or scrolling through your phone during your first day at work. Look through one of your assignments again, or ask one of your colleagues if you can help.