7 Tips to Help You Avoid Looking Like a Jackass at Your First Job

Your first “real world” job will be filled with learning curves and there are certain things that your college degree simply won’t teach you. Understanding your new work environment can be much more complicated than navigating your college campus. And unfortunately as the office newbie, there are certain work culture faux pas your coworkers simply won’t tell you until it’s too late.

Here are 7 tips that will help you avoid looking like a complete jackass at your first job:

1. Be on Time, Better yet Early. In New York City, 9 to 5 does not exist. Whether your office technically “opens” at 9am or 10am, ask your coworkers what time they get into the office and at the very least, get in before your manager. You still have the most to learn in the office and showing up on time proves you care about your job.

2. Don’t Leave Early. Unless you have a medical emergency or a death in the family, it is generally frowned upon to leave before your manager unless he or she says it’s ok. If you have to leave early, make sure you ask first and cover off on all deliverables before you do. You’re getting paid to work and if you’re taking long lunches or skipping out early your boss will begin to question your value to the company.

3. Slow Down. Sure your manager will be impressed that you can do your work quickly but it’s much more important to complete it correctly. Take your time to review your work. Spelling errors are not acceptable when you have spellcheck. You will inevitably make mistakes but catching most of them before your manager does is key.

4. Take it Easy with the Jokes. Joking around in the office can be tricky, especially as you observe your coworkers doing it. It can make the work day more fun but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are given a pass to joke the same way. You may think you’re getting along really well with your coworkers and try to get in on the fun but you may end up unintentionally insulting someone. Don’t take things too seriously but be careful not to push buttons, since most of these people have worked together for years. Your best bet is to stay as PC as possible your first few months until you put your time in and observe what is acceptable.

5. There is Such a Thing as TMI. Making friends in the office can be great and sharing common interest can be the perfect way to break the ice with new coworkers. However, no one wants to hear about the great Victoria’s Secret bra you bought, digestive issues you are having, or the fight you had with your boyfriend last night on your second day in the office. At the end of the day you are in the office to work, not vent or gossip. Work friendships develop overtime and you should be careful what you share early on.

6. Don’t be Lazy. It’s ok to ask questions to make sure you are doing your job efficiently but it’s equally important to try and figure things out on your own. It shows that you’ve proactively thought through possible solutions of the task that was being asked of you before you asked the question. Don’t spend too much time running around in circles trying to find the answer but a little initiative goes a long way.

7. Respect is Earned, it’s not a Privilege. As the newest and, generally, youngest member in the office, you have the most to learn. While everyone will welcome you on board, a lot of time goes into getting you trained. Despite how knowledgable you think you are, you do not know everything. There are people who have been at the company long before you and have years of experience ahead of you. In the early stages, it’s best to take a piece of humble pie, sit quietly and eat it. Before you know it, you will be up-to-speed and no longer the new kid in the office.

• Originally posted on Preparing for Something.