By Robin Bland \ robinb@hobsonassoc.com \ HobsonAssoc.com

Offer Letter √

Drug Screen √

Resignation Letter √

Goodbye Lunch √

Thank You Note to Recruiter (me) √

You are under a microscope in those first 90 days. You could find yourself out of a job.

Just as you are often remembered at your old company for your last few weeks, you are also known for your first days as a new employee and you may never live down some real blunders. Here are some real Don’ts of the first 90 days (and beyond).

  1. Don’t bring loaded/or unloaded weapons to the office/or business events. Check your company handbook but unless your new job comes with a badge or a title like Sergeant or Lieutenant leave it at home.
  2. Let someone else be the “life of the party” especially at company events, conferences and holiday events. If someone has a phone, they have a camera.  Your turn will come to wear the lampshade.
  3. Don’t date the boss and or other co-workers. You don’t know the dynamics that existed before you came onboard. You want to be evaluated on what you do, not who you do.
  4. Don’t help yourself to food in the fridge. There is of course the ongoing debate as to whether butter and catsup qualify as food or a condiment. But you are the new guy…so if it’s in there no touching.
  5. Respect boundaries. Recognize that Clients or Accounts that your co-workers may be working with or developing are to be approached with caution. Check with management about protocols and even if they tell you to move forward; do so by including co-workers a much as possible. Suggest that they speak to management about conflicts.
  6. Know your credit limit. You did not just hit the lottery when they gave you an expense account or a company credit card. Don’t order the most expensive menu item, buy multiple rounds of drinks, pimp your ride (get the deluxe car detail), rent a sports car when traveling, sit in first class.
  7. You may be all that and a bag of chips. But don’t brag about how hard the company had to fight to get you. You set yourself up to be measured against perfection and cause resentment among co-workers who have been working hard and feel unappreciated. (Of course no mention of salary or compensation at all).
  8. Don’t make too many radical suggestions. I know your old company did x so much better. But instead sit back and evaluate. See where you can impart some suggestions in a low key way after you have had a chance to observe and spend some time doing it their way.
  9. Don’t get too buddy, buddy with anyone immediately. You don’t know if that person is on an action plan or the star of the company. You are known for the company you keep.
  10. Don’t get too comfortable.   You might have brought out the nice suit for the interview but now you are thinking of  growing back that soul patch, showing off that tattoo (also refer to #2 and #3) and wearing your favorite animal pattern. Observe how the staff dresses and emulate the most polished person in the office.
By |2014-10-03T01:05:26+00:00September 25th, 2014|Career|