You did your research, built a solid resume, and interviewed well. Congrats, you got the job.

Some would say that all the hard work is done, but we’re smarter than that.

In reality, the hard work is just beginning.

The first month of any job is the most crucial time to solidify relationships, build trust, and establish yourself as a team player.

There are a ton of things you should be doing during your first month at work, but we’d argue that the things you shouldn’t be doing are even more important.

Here are 5 things you should avoid at all costs in your first 30 days at work:

1/Speaking more than you talk.

2/ Changing systems/processes.

3/Asking for a raise.

4/ Taking shortcuts.

5/ Isolating yourself.

Let’s jump right in.


1/Speaking more than you listen.

So many new hires fall into the trap of asking questions, filling silence with small talk, and over-sharing for the sake of “building” a relationship.

While you may be tempted to do all the above, stop yourself before you are too far gone.

Asking questions is important until it becomes annoying.

Making small talk is great until it becomes invasive.

Sharing can build trust until you become the office gossip.

In your first 30 days prioritize listening over speaking.

Make a list of questions and ask them all at a convenient time.

Be cordial with your colleagues but get your work done first.

Avoid gossip and drama, it won’t do you any good.



2/ Changing systems/processes.

Here at TCK, we are all about mixing things up and bringing innovation and a new way of doing things to your workplace.

That said, the first 30 days of a job is not the place to do it.

The first month of your new job should be focused on auditing.

Understand the systems and processes around you.

Take time to think about why things are done a certain way.

Make notes on what you would improve in the future.

When you come into a new role and start changing things up right away and making suggestions you come across as entitled and arrogant, even if you have the best of intentions.

Before you change anything, make sure you understand it first.


3/Asking for a raise.

Let’s make this clear.

Do not ask for a raise until you have actually contributed something tangible, measurable, and impactful to an organization.

Chances are that won’t happen in the first 30 days.

Instead of asking for a raise…

Ask for more feedback or ask for more responsibility.

Perform first and the money will follow.


4/ Taking shortcuts.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by new people, new tools, and new workflows in a new job.

Hell, you might not even know where the bathroom is the first couple of days.

That is to be expected.

Unfortunately, when the work and anxiety start piling up it’s easy to look for shortcuts.

Maybe AI can get that report pulled together a bit faster.

Maybe you have some old slides you could leverage for the presentation.

Maybe you have a friend who can walk you through that tricky model.

All this is fine, but the first 30 days is no time for taking shortcuts.

When we are challenged, we learn. When we learn we perform.

Do things the long way at first, it will pay off in the end.


5/ Isolating yourself.

Even for the most extroverted of people, a new job can be socially exhausting.

Coffee chats, 1 on 1’s, and lunches will probably litter your calendar for the first few weeks or so.

Embrace them.

Every interaction for the first 30 days is important.

It will establish your place in the working world and unfortunately, we humans are quick to judge.

That said, do your best to put on a smile, play nice, and actually get to know your co-workers.

The relationships you build now will be critical for your success later.

Congrats on the new job. Now the work begins.



Until next time,

The TCK Team

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