4 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting Your New Job

As seen on Forbes.

Starting a new job is an exciting and rewarding journey. You meet new people, adapt to a new environment, face new challenges, and explore new opportunities for growth. But that excitement can come with a fear of making mistakes or leaving a bad impression.

The truth is you don’t need to know everything. Having the right mindset and behavior matters more. In fact, a study by Leadership IQ revealed that 89% of hiring failures are due to poor attitudes, not lack of skills. To help you start strong, here are four mistakes to avoid for a smoother transition into your new role.

Not Negotiating Enough Early On

A common mindset when starting a new role is, “It’s too early to demand or negotiate. I should just follow along for now.” But that’s a big costly mistake. Yes, you’ve worked really hard to ace every interview, and now that you’ve finally landed a new job, you might not want to risk anything. However, if you delaying asking for things, you’re going to miss out on a lot of money and the opportunity to build credibility early on.

So don’t be afraid to bring up salary, bonuses, performance reviews and other things to negotiate. For instance, if you didn’t get your desired salary, you can ask for additional paid time off or a more flexible schedule. Talk about training opportunities, or suggest a more reasonable timeline for performance reviews. You might not always get what you ask for, but you’ll gain respect for speaking up. It also reflects your confidence, strong communication skills, and commitment to your role.

Not Getting A Proper Onboarding

When we say onboarding, we often think it’s the job of human resources or the team to help us learn the ropes. Sure, they will conduct orientations, walk us through tools and programs, and train us on different parts of the position, but it doesn’t stop there. A successful onboarding process requires active participation by new hires.

Being a newbie doesn’t mean you should just keep quiet and wait to be told what to do. Instead, ask questions, especially when you’re unfamiliar or still confused about certain processes. For instance, if you’re having difficulty using a project management tool, ask any team member for advice. Ask for tips and best practices to help you get the hang of things faster. By being honest and proactive, you save time for everyone. It also shows your eagerness to learn and contribute to the team. So stay curious and engaged.

Not Looking At The “Boring” Side

While there’s a lot to look forward to in a new job, don’t forget the less exciting but equally important matters. Take time to understand taxes. Ask about Form W-4 and other documents you need to submit to get paid properly. Review your employment contract thoroughly, including the probationary period, termination and notice provisions, confidentiality clauses, and noncompete agreements, if applicable.

These may sound boring and technical, but you should know what you’re getting into and your respective rights and responsibilities. Ask HR for any clarifications regarding leave, work hours, health insurance, and other benefits. Staying informed helps prevent unnecessary conflicts and allows you to focus on excelling in your new role.

Not Working On The Right Things

The first few weeks or months are crucial in making a positive impression at your new job. Your responsibilities will grow, and regular evaluations will show your progress, or your lack of it. So spend your time wisely, and connect with the right people.

For instance, instead of reading all available resources or finding the perfect design for a presentation, talk to your manager and the people you’ll be working with. Get involved early on by asking: What are the team’s biggest problems right now? What areas do you need help with? How can I contribute to our goals? Keeping your efforts aligned with the team’s mission and vision helps position yourself as a dependable team member.

Getting a new job is a big win, especially in this tough market. But you don’t want to waste the opportunity on mistakes you can easily avoid. Remember to be proactive, understand the boring but important aspects of the job, and channel your energy into contributing to the team while growing professionally. Rooting for you!