You don’t want to make the wrong first impression.

And you want to see to it its a good one.

Thats because, while you may have gotten the job, the evaluation is not over.

Two professionals shaking hands over a desk, signaling a successful job interview or business agreement

You are a know-it-all.

But being overly confident in your own expertise will win you more enemies than allies.

you’re able to show that curiosity by asking polite questions.

Woman working on laptop, possibly in a professional setting or home office

Could you help me understand the thought process behind _____?

You also want to show that youre a quick learner who is dedicated to getting up to speed.

When in doubt, try saying, I know you said earlier that _____ is important.

Man wearing a suit gesturing with both hands, standing in a bright office

Would this be an example?

You dont play the “new card.”

But you gotta be thoughtful about your first impression.

Two professionals shaking hands in an office, with two others smiling and clapping

Im _____ and Im the new _____.

Just thought Id introduce myself!

You dont follow the dress code.

Person with arms crossed standing in front of a car, wearing sunglasses, on a street

Dressing inappropriately is also a mistake that I think people make, Abbajay said.

Often, employee handbooks outline dress code policies.

You could also ask your new boss or team member, What is the general dress code here?

A group of colleagues in a casual meeting, one presenting a smartphone screen to the others

Dont cross over into the latter in your first week.

I was working with this woman once we were new colleagues.

All of these things really made me want to avoid her … it was just too much too soon.

Three women smiling at a smartphone together, possibly reviewing work content or financial data

Are you noticing whispered arguments and muffled laughs when certain colleagues walk in?

When you join a company, you are also joining its culture, where there can be warring factions.

Be careful not to engage if you get roped into gossip about other team members.

Two professionals engaging in a cheerful discussion, one holding a laptop, the other a tablet

Do not align yourself with any group in your first week, Abbajay said.

Just listening is kind of engaging.

You dont touch base with your manager.

Ideally, your boss is checking in with you during your first week to have that conversation.

But if they are not, you should proactively ask for a one-on-one meeting before the week is over.

Managers are evaluating your early performance, and you should be too.

The first week is so much information.

Its really overwhelming, Schwartz said.

Usually the first few months [are] often a probationary period.

So the employee also is determining, Is this a good match for me?