5 Major Donts for Your First Day of Work

5 Major Donts for Your First Day of WorkWe talk a lot around here about how to land that dream job, but maybe we need to spend more time on what to do (or, more specifically, what not to do)when you get there Here are 5 major donts for your first day of work.1. Dont Hunker Down At Your DeskYoull probably get a cursory tour after the HR presentation or corporate orientation. If youre lucky, itll be from a colleague you can ask honest questions of if not, itll be a busy receptionist trying to get back to her desk and hoping youll find your way back to yours on your own. Whether you get the scenic version with lots of introductions or have to take a deep breath and introduce yourself to the row of cube denizens across from you, make sure to actually make a first impressionideally one that comes with a firm handshake and a clear statement of your role.2. Dont Begin with an AttitudeAt my brde office job, a couple of our new hires were bright and chatty in their interviews, but as soon as the daily grind set in, they developed sulky attitudes that were almost adolescent in nature. Even if elements of the office or the colleagues irritate you, make sure that is not apparent to everyone from day one Focus on gratitude, opportunities for the future, your eventual paycheck, and networking opportunitiesnot the real estate, the latest gossip, or whatever youre finding unappealing.3. Dont Immediately Request Time OffDepending on your office, you may have to accrue leave before you can take any. If you had already planned a family trip six months before you even interviewed, its often okay to request a starting day that accommodates your plans when you accept the job. But once you start, you need to stick around Modify your personal schedule whenever you can, dont make those I finally have insurance doctors appointments until after your first 90 days.4. Dont Violate Workplace ProtocolsThis can refer to both the official social media guidelines and break policies or the unoff icial status quo of the office. Unless you were hired to shake things up, take a little time to learn how they handle projects and assignments before you propose a different way of doing it (even if you think its faster or more efficient).And then theres the no brainers like wearing a strong scent, bringing an odiferous lunch, spending the day on your phone, or engaging in any kind of inappropriate banter with colleagues youve just met.5. Dont Ignore Your Boss or SuperiorsThis is one problem Ive never hadmy first few days, I err on the side of needy, if anything (this is also not good really figure out who your immediate coach is and check in with them instead of your actual boss for small questions). Make sure you greet everyone youre introduced to with a friendly smile, ask polite versions of What do you do here? like Will we be working together? or Im sure well cross paths if youre not sure.