5 Common Mistakes New Hires Make
By Eileen Conlan
Navigating a new workplace is rife with pitfalls that can set the tone for your entire tenure at a job, according to Hannah Seligson, author of New Girl on the Job: Advice from the Trenches (Citadel Press, 2007). Seligson was herself laid off from her first job a small Manhattan consulting firm. She says she bristled at doing busywork all day, but never had a clear sense of her job description at the outset, a common mistake among new hires. Here are her five biggest mistakes freshmen employees make when starting a new job.
TRAP: STAYING IN THE OFFICE LATE
work, office, job, career, stress
woman at desk stressed
Burning the midnight oil may seem like an obvious way to get ahead. But late nights typically lead to less sleep and poor eating habits, both of which lead to poor productivity in the long run.
TRAP: TYPE-A ATTENTION TO DETAIL
to do list, to do, stock photos
to do list
Getting it right is important. But don\'t lose sight of the project\'s goals with slavish devotion to details. Are you compromising deadlines, overall quality, and the patience of your coworkers with your work style?
TRAP: BEING TOO GOOD AT YOUR JOB
ladder, sky, success, growth, career, job, work
success ladder to the sky
This is particularly true for assistants. What executive wants to lose a supremely talented right hand? Make your boss rethink your role by suggesting ways to improve your tasks. Pitch ideas that don\'t necessarily fall under your purview as an assistant. Demonstrate ambition beyond the job you have.
TRAP: RUNNING PERSONAL ERRANDS FOR THE BOSS
girl cleaning counter, cleaning, kitchen, clean, work, job,
girl cleaning counter with plastic gloves
It\'s one thing to fetch the boss a cup of coffee. It\'s quite another to pick up his laundry. Unless your job description includes errand-running, don\'t do anything you wouldn\'t ask a friend to do for you.
TRAP: WAITING FOR PRAISE FROM THE BOSS
key to success, job, success, work, career, stock
key to success
Don\'t wait for feedback. Solicit it. \"What did you think of that project?\" \"Any suggestions for how I can improve?\" Don\'t wait for raises and promotions, either. Ask for them. You\'ll always know where you stand by being assertive.
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