New at your job? 8 things to never say on your first day at work

What you say on your first day on the job might affect not only how your coworkers see you, but also whether or not you will enjoy your stay at the new job. Saying the right things are just as important as doing the right things, and some things are strongly advised that you never say on your first day at work.

While you shouldn’t say some things on your first day at work, here are things you shouldn’t do on your first day at a new job

Why is starting a new job so scary?

When you first arrive at your new job, you get the sinking sense that you don’t know anyone, that you don’t know how things are done, that you don’t know who to talk to, and that you don’t know how kind or overly professional you should be.

You have no notion where to find good food. For many of us, this is just the beginning. Starting a new job can be stressful because it makes you feel like you’re on the outside looking in, as if you’re not good enough, or that you’re smaller than you are. The sooner you face your fears, the sooner you’ll be able to leap in and make a difference.

Things you shouldn’t say on your first day at work

• “…At my previous job”

No one likes a know-it-all. Etiquette and civility expert The author of “Don’t Burp in the Boardroom,” Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, advises bringing enthusiasm and humility to the new position. “Not in a meek, controlled manner,” she adds, “but with a learning mentality rather than arrogance.”

• ‘Who should I meet and who should I avoid around here?’

A question like this practically asks coworkers to gossip and is a career killer. One person’s beef with another coworker is their business only and have developed over matters you have no idea about so stay out of it. Take time to meet and engage in small talk with each person in your department, and judge for yourself

• ‘I didn’t learn that way.’

Employers aren’t interested in hearing about your shortcomings; they want to hear about your willingness to learn how to do things their way. People want to be able to demonstrate their expertise, and they think to themselves, That’s why I got hired. However, if you don’t frame it right, it can come across as being negative and not ready to learn.

• “What’s the holiday party like? Do we get bonuses or a ham or something?”

Who says things like this? You certainly shouldn’t! Just wait for the holidays to roll around and see if you are graced with a free succulent ham. I mean, what are you going to do if you don’t get a bonus or a ham at your place of work? Quit? Get a grip!

• Don’t get too comfortable with something.

Don’t tell everyone how crazy your weekend was or spend the morning telling jokes at the office. Keep it professional at all times because first impressions matter. Wait until you have established proper relationships with your coworkers before telling them everything about your personal life.

• Avoid being an outcast in your social circle.

Even if you brought your lunch, it’s a good practice to accept your coworkers’ lunch invitations. It’s a terrific way to meet your coworkers outside of the office and learn about your new surroundings. Because you’ll be spending so much time with these people, putting in the effort now will pay off later.

• “where I could make a private phone call?”

When I hear this term, I think of secrets, lies, and lawyers. Don’t do unfinished business on company time. Run outside and text the person from a nearby coffee shop if the call is urgent. Alternatively, call the person from home after business hours. Employers are legally permitted to access their employees’ emails, so emailing about sensitive information is about as private as airing your dirty clothes in the conference room.

• “Wow, this PC is pretty old,”

On the first day at your new place of work, remember to be courteous rather than judgmental. It’s one thing if your keyboard stops working; you may gently request a replacement. It’s a different story when their computer’s model is older than you anticipated.