Nailed the interview and landed your very first job? Well, that's only the beginning of a long journey ahead. You obviously want a smooth ride ahead so let’s get started with a list of do's and don'ts to follow, if only to play it safe, on your first job, to ensure there are no goof-ups.
 

Do: Listen to your colleagues

Do: Listen to your colleagues

They've been there for longer than you have so naturally have a better idea of how things work. So listen to what they have to say, and don't try to act like you know it all—even if you do—because you'd risk getting off on the wrong foot and stunt your own growth by resisting lessons.

 

Don't: Try too hard to fit in

Don't: Try too hard to fit in

Yes, you may feel the pressure to laugh at every joke cracked or to compulsively compliment your colleagues to please them (in an attempt to fit in), but don't. You'd only come across as trying too hard and that becomes a bit of a turnoff because you'd be lacking individuality.

 

Do: Dress confidently

Do: Dress confidently

That's the first vibe you want to be giving out at a new job—confidence. Dress in a way that feels comfortable, so you don't find yourself fidgeting when nervous. Also, putting on your best workwear gives out a far better impression than being laid back in a pair of ripped jeans.

 

Don't: Isolate yourself immediately

Don't: Isolate yourself immediately

Prefer working by yourself and in silence? Save it for later, after you've at least gotten to know your co-workers first. Go out for breaks with them, small talk, fake a smile if you must, so you don't come off as reclusive. No one likes a newbie that's unapproachable. Besides, it’s your first job, warm up!

 

Do: Have a sense of humour

Do: Have a sense of humour

But one that's work appropriate. Everyone like a funny person, but don't attempt the dirty jokes you crack with your friends, unless you can totally pull them off, because chances are you'd just end up being judged. It's okay to lay low in the beginning before you can unleash your weird side.

 

Don't: Be passive

Don't: Be passive

Don't just sit there passively, waiting on tasks to be assigned to you, as opposed to being proactive, in an attempt to avoid taking on too much work. Being enthusiastic and showing initiative goes a long way, because you'd be hitting all the right cords to make yourself be known as reliable.

Image Credits: 2012 Book Archive, Blogs Avanade, Storypick, Brosandgents.com, Zimbio, Onedio, The Balance