5 Mistakes to Avoid in Your New Role

Ah, Spring. While nature is bursting with new life before our eyes, this is also a time of major transformation in many young Americans’ lives.

If you’re one of the thousands of Americans who just tossed your black hat in the air (or didn’t if your school is weird about that) and packed up your dorm for the last time… congratulations!

This is a time of incredible opportunity — and it’s a candidate’s job market. With 7 million jobs open across the country, you’ve likely already lined up your first job.

Whether or not you’ve had an internship or other work experience, your first role is a huge first step in your career. It sets the tone for the path you decide to take and the professional reputation you want to build — but don’t panic about pressure — your early career is also a great time to experiment, make a few mistakes, and learn.

Yup — even though you’re finally done with exams and papers, your learning has just begun. And while you’re riding a huge enthusiasm high and getting ready for your first day on the job, here are some quick tips to help you make the best of it.

Kiss Your Comfort Zone Goodbye

In the first few days while you’re getting a handle on your new responsibilities, you’ll also meet your new colleagues — and no matter how big or small your team is, it’s important to actively get to know everyone, learn their names, and signal that you are happy to be there and are interested in the work that they’re doing. If they don’t ask you to join them for lunch or coffee after the first day or two, reach out and make the ask. Even if you’re an introvert, find a way to show enthusiasm for the people you’re working with.

Aim High — Without Entitlement

While it’s natural to befriend the most junior people and build camaraderie, don’t be too shy to reach out to senior-level people, introduce yourself, and tell them you’re interested in hearing about their career path and how it led them to where they are. WARNING: It’s vital that you show humility in your request and gratitude if they offer you advice. While most of your colleagues will likely be millennials who have been fighting off accusations of “entitlement” for their whole careers, they’re still going to be repelled by the slightest sign of it from you. Signal self-confidence and a sense of belonging — not arrogance or cockiness.

Don’t Copy What You Hear

Hopefully you’ll have a healthy, well-adjusted office culture and positive, hard-working colleagues… but the truth is, even the very best teams have elements of dysfunction and sometimes team members who just aren’t happy in their role. If you hear folks complaining about the boss, venting about a project, or (worse) confiding in you with office gossip… don’t join in. It can be tempting to model what you see, try to fit in with the culture, and play it cool — but don’t. If you bite your tongue and continue to have a good attitude you might even be a positive influence on everyone.

Look Sharp, Feel Sharp

This seems superficial but I really wish someone had told me this when I first came to DC: It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a limited budget — looking polished has way more to do with grooming than cost. Take great care of yourself and your clothes and you’ll feel like a million bucks. And yes—it’ll improve your work.

Instead of grabbing cheap dresses from H&M to fill in the gaps, invest in well-made items off the beaten path—you’ll save thousands over the course of your career. Tutorials for building a wardrobe abound on YouTube and blogs like the Everygirl, so do some research and figure out what style is the most flattering and appropriate for you. Use tools like Poshmark, the Honey extension (sale alerts and discount codes, please), and hit up consignment shops on the weekend.

Ask For Help

Nobody wants to seem slow on the uptake, so you might want to act like you already know everything about your field — but that will just set you up for disaster down the road. Tell your colleagues, and especially your manager, if you don’t understand something about your role.

When you acknowledge that you have a lot to learn and are ready to ask lots of questions, far from thinking you’re dim, your colleagues will respect you more.

But a word of caution: Don’t blurt out “what’s that?” in the middle of a packed meeting. Find a moment to ask your manager or another colleague later, “Hey, earlier someone mentioned an off-site business development team — who are they and what do they do?”

The further you get in your career, the more comfortable you should grow acknowledging when you don’t know something and need to ask for help.

Here’s the bottom line: You’re going to make mistakes — and that’s okay. The most important thing in your first role is not being flawless — it’s being honest. Own your mistakes, give your colleagues credit when they deserve it, ask for help when you need it, and relax — everyone admires hard work and a good attitude.

As my grandpa Joe would say: You’re gonna be great, kid!