After perfecting your CV and impressing your boss during the interview, you might think you can relax once you get the job.

Harper’s BAZAAR

However, research from Finance.co.uk suggests your first day is just as important as the rest of the process. Instead of worrying about everything you need to get done, you should also think about the things you shouldn’t do.

Below, their experts outline the top tips for impressing the boss and settling in to your new role by highlighting, quite crucially, what not to do.

1. Don’t yawn

You might find yourself getting up earlier to get ready for your big day or that you struggled to get to sleep the night before because of first-day nerves. It doesn’t matter whether you’re starting as an intern or the CEO, all eyes are on you, so refrain from saying how tired you are or yawning every few minutes. It may seem innocent enough, but complaining about tiredness has negative connotations and will drive a damaging first impression.

2. Don’t book leave

Unless this was mentioned throughout the interview process, don’t book half days or annual leave as soon as you start. This signifies a lack of commitment to your role and shows poor communication skills if you failed to mention it beforehand. If you can, rearrange those ’emergency appointments’ and make clear any future trips you have planned in your interview so there’s no surprises.

3. Don’t be too early

Obviously it goes without saying that you should never be late on a first day. But it’s just as important not to turn up really early, as it’s common for a workplace to ask you to arrive a little later so they can prepare. If you turn up before they’re ready then it limits your new colleagues from properly prepping and results in you just hanging around awkwardly waiting for them to set up.

4. Don’t mention money

Don’t speak about your new salary or what you made at your previous job as it will make those around you feel awkward and gives off an air of arrogance. If you have worked there for a while and feel that you are being underpaid for how hard you work, then be professional and have a conversation with your boss after you’ve completed your probation period.

5. Don’t watch the clock

Never spend the last half hour of the day counting down until the clock hits home time. Don’t be the first to leave on your first day, as it will be noticed and depicts a sense of laziness, which signals that you aren’t prepared to go above and beyond the bare minimum of what’s expected.

6. Don’t be antisocial

Even if you’ve bought your lunch with you, but your colleagues ask you out, then it’s a good idea to go along. It’s a great way to get to know your colleagues beyond the office and learn more about your new environment. You’ll be spending a lot of your time with these people, so making a big effort from the start will be beneficial in the long run.

7. Don’t guess instead of asking

It’s great to ask questions on your first day, as it shows you’re genuinely interested in your new job and are willing to learn. If you find yourself being unsure of anything, ask your colleagues first rather than take a guess. It’ll be a more awkward conversation if you make a mistake that could have been easily avoided by asking questions beforehand.

8. Don’t show off

Unless your opinion is explicitly asked for, then keep it to yourself as you start your new role. Being a know-it-all isn’t impressive and you don’t know whose ideas you’re criticising, so learn all there is to know before trying to make the role your own.

9. Don’t assume your priorities

On your first day, you’ll be inundated with new information and tasks. It’s vital to prioritise what is more important and should be completed first. Ask your line manager what should take priority and what their deadlines are. They’ll benefit from this in the long run as it’s more efficient and avoids overwhelming pressure.

10. Don’t be overfamiliar

Don’t come into the office telling everyone how crazy your weekend was or spend the morning telling jokes. First impressions count, so always keep it professional. Wait for proper relationships to form with your coworkers before telling them all about your personal life.

From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK