Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

12 Things You Should Avoid Saying on Your First Day—Unless You Want to Make Things Weird

Updated 6/19/2020
12 Things You Should Avoid Saying on Your First Day—Unless You Want to Make Things Weird
Starting a new job's hard—and this Business Insider video's here to help you laugh away your anxieties by reminding you what not to say.

Going to work that first day at a new job always comes with those butterflies in your stomach. You’re worried about making friends, impressing your new boss, and fitting in with a bunch of strangers.

I’m here to tell you that’s all completely normal! And, I’ll also tell you that the more you act like yourself, the easier the transition will be. And just remember: The company wouldn’t have hired you unless your manger thought you’d be a great fit for the team.

But here are some tips to get you going: Be open to new ideas, make yourself accessible (even if you’re swamped with HR paperwork), and stay away from gossip—trust me, the friendships will come in time.

And to make you laugh a bit and calm your nerves before you walk into that office, here’s a funny video from Business Insider, pointing out the things you probably shouldn’t say if you want to make a good first impression.


Photo of Alyse Maguire

Previously an editor for The Muse, Alyse is proud to prove that yes, English majors can change the world. She’s written almost 500 articles for The Muse on anything from productivity tips to cover letters to bad bosses to cool career changers, many of which have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Inc., CNBC's Make It, USA Today College, Lifehacker, Mashable, and more. In addition to being an avid writer and reader, Alyse loves to dance, both professionally and while waiting for the subway. You can follow her work on her website, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

MORE FROM ALYSE MAGUIRE
12 Things You Should Avoid Saying on Your First Day—Unless You Want to Make Things Weird | The Muse | The Muse