5 Ways to Make your Boss Regret Hiring You
Simply Hired Staff
So you’ve gone and done it; you’ve landed the job of your dreams. Those good grades, perfectly crafted resume and diligent follow up paid off with an interview and job offer. Spend a few minutes popping the cork on that bubbly and celebrating over dinner with friends. Before you rest on your laurels, however, you should also spend a few minutes considering how to hold onto your new found glory.
Each new job or career brings with it a series of individual and unique challenges, peculiar to the position or job duties. That being said, there are a few commonalities across all industries and job titles that are sure to help make your transition and long-term prospects more than a little bit rocky. Surviving, and succeeding, in your new position depends not just on you knowing your stuff, but also on your ability to navigate the complicated world of office dynamics.
Interested in learning how to avoid these common mishaps? Here are five ways to make your boss regret hiring you, and alternatives to success that will help you thrive in your career.
Cancel the Honeymoon
One of the most important things new employees should realize is that just because you’ve landed the job, doesn’t mean you’ve earned the right to stay in the position. Most offices will have a “honeymoon period” or a probationary time frame during which you can be let go for reasons varying from poor performance to personality concerns. With that in mind, the worst thing you could do during the initial rollout of a new job is slack off or perform in any manner that is less than stellar.
Showing up late to work, not turning in assignments, getting off task, taking an extra long lunch or otherwise not meeting basic expectations will let your boss now that your promise to be committed to the position was about as empty as your chair at your brand new desk is about to be. We’re not talking being overly officious or superhuman when it comes to learning the ins and outs of your new role. Show up on time and mind your p’s and q’s to put your best foot forward both initially and as you progress.
Join the Losing Team
Remember those awkward lunches in high school when choices like who you sat with at lunch made all the difference in your “coolness” level? It turns out that office dynamics are often in line with those high school shenanigans. In every position, you will encounter employees who bring down the team with their negativity or lack of dedication to the company or role. Avoid joining the “wrong” clique and associating with anyone who has a less than positive and helpful outlook. Sticking with this approach will help keep you from being associated with the problem employees which will assist with both adapting to the new position and with staying under management’s radar.
Don’t be a Know-it-All
Sure, you may have been the most talented member of your junior high pep squad, but those past accolades don’t mean a hill of beans in your newest role. Your employer may have hired you for your specific set of qualifications, but that doesn’t mean you still don’t have a lot to learn in order to be an effective team member. Be open and willing to training from coworkers and superiors alike.
Suggestions are always welcome, and may even bring a breath of fresh air, but remember to respect those who know the ins and outs of your company and role and set a balance between being willing to contribute and open to learning more. It will often take a bit of time to acclimate to the nuances of your job. The more familiar you are with your office and the individual characteristics and history of the people and policies, the better prepared you’ll be to make a big impact.
Expect a Constant Stream of High-Fives and Gold Stars
Everyone wants to know they’re appreciated and are doing a great job, but one of the most irksome personality traits of a new employee is expecting constant praise or positive feedback. If you look at top requested qualities of major companies, one of the most important is consistently the ability to work independently. This includes performing tasks on occasion without immediate feedback. Good leaders will always provide guidance and set clear expectations. Good employees will see this as enough to perform their day to day tasks knowing that long-term rewards will certainly follow.
Burn Yourself Out
Being enthusiastic about the performance of your job duties is certainly an admirable trait in any new employee. That being said, be sure you aren’t burning yourself out in your desire to make a good first impression. Steady and reliable performance is often a better characteristic of long-term success in a new hire than an initial burst of excitement followed by the inevitable collapse of performance if you’re reaching beyond your skills or capabilities. Be sure to get your feet under you with a solid foundation of training and pace your implementation. Avoid burnout to keep on your boss’ good side and maintain a long-term string of quality performance.
Keep in mind that with any new job it will take time and knowledge to get your bearings. Learning interoffice politics, the personalities of your managers and coworkers, and avoiding burnout will be key factors in impressing your boss. This, in turn, will ensure your job isn’t just a temporary position and will help guarantee long-term career success.
