Starting a new job can be overwhelming — there’s a lot to learn about the role, organization, and team members.
However, it’s important to show yourself in the best possible light to avoid starting off on the wrong foot.
That’s why Business Insider asked two etiquette experts to share the mistakes new hires should avoid making. Here’s what they said.
Take on too much too quickly
Tyler Le/BI
Nikki Sawhney, director and founder of the New England School of Protocol, which offers etiquette classes and workshops, told BI that it’s important to pace yourself when starting a new role.
Instead of jumping in and trying to prove yourself right away, Sawhney said it’s important to watch and listen first.
“I think many new hires feel like in their very first week, they have to jump in and show everyone how capable they are,” Sawhney said. “When you’re entering a new role, it’s not about being a disruptor or a cannonball. You don’t want to make a splash immediately and create waves.”
Implement changes without having the necessary context
Similarly, Sawhney told BI that sometimes people are eager to make changes in their new roles, especially when starting a managerial or leadership position. But even well-intentioned changes can do more harm than good.
“Before you suggest workflow and process changes, understand why something happens the way it does. Even when ideas are solid, teams can feel blindsided, especially when you haven’t taken time to understand why something happens a certain way,” she told BI.
This demonstrates professional curiosity and allows the chance to learn about the company culture.
Disrespect administrative staff and others in non-leadership roles
Treating roles outside leadership poorly will damage your reputation.
“Administrative support, coordinators, and other operational professionals are often quiet leaders within organizations. These staff members hold critical knowledge and influence, and how you treat them speaks about your professionalism,” Sawhney told BI.
She added that it’s important to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position or title.
Engage in workplace gossip
Mariah Humbert, an etiquette expert and author, told BI that people have a natural desire to share experiences and fit in with others, especially in new environments. However, gossip isn’t the best way to do so.
“There are ways that you can develop professional relationships without centering them around gossip or negative conversations. Don’t harm your personal brand by doing it just because others are,” she told BI.
Tyler Le/BI
Show up unprofessionally for remote work
Whether you’re working from home or in the office, it’s important to put your best foot forward. This includes dressing appropriately for video calls, joining with enough time to set up your workspace, and arriving and leaving on time.
“You likely wouldn’t run out of the office early on your first day at an in-person role. You want to treat any sort of virtual work with the same amount of respect, dignity, and formality,” Humbert told BI.
Make critical comparisons between your current and previous roles
When starting a new role, it’s natural to compare your new environment to your previous one. However, according to Humbert, it’s best to avoid making these comparisons out loud.
“Try to avoid saying things like, ‘This is how I did things at my old company,’ or ‘My way of approaching this task is better,'” Humbert said. “Your employer hired you to share your expertise and opinions, but ensure it’s the right time to do so.”
She added that it’s best to frame suggestions in terms of your current organization’s goals and explain why you believe something will or won’t work to avoid coming across as overly critical.
Tyler Le/BI
Reprimand direct reports without building rapport
When starting a new managerial role, Sawhney emphasized the importance of establishing a relationship with direct reports before providing negative feedback.
“When you jump in and start reprimanding right away without a relationship there, you can create resentment. Build a rapport with those around you first, and then reprimand in private,” she said.
Be afraid to ask for help
“No matter what level role you’re in, don’t be afraid to ask for help or support,” Humbert told BI.
Whether you have questions about the ins and outs of your specific role or the company culture, it’s important to ask questions and lean on the resources available to you.
“No one expects you to know everything on your first day or first week, so just ask,” Humbert said.
Tyler Le/BI
Use shared resources without replacing them
When it comes to using shared resources in the office, you should never assume it’s one person’s job to replace and replenish them.
“If you use the last cup at the water machine, refill the cups. If you print copies and the printer runs out of paper, fill the paper tray. Don’t leave things empty, out, or unusable for the next person,” Sawhney said.
