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Worst mistakes you can make on a new job

Last updated on: March 21, 2013 13:49 IST

The first 90 days will make or break your success, say experts.

The biggest challenge after you've finally landed a new job is yet to come, as experts warn that the first 90 days will make or break your success.

Career expert Russell Johnson said that the biggest mistake people make when they start in a new workplace is they don't realise how important the first three months actually are.

"The first day is the most important day, first week is the most important week, and by the time the first 90 days are over you're either in or you're toast," News.com.au quoted Johnson, managing director of EPR Career Management as saying.

"It's simply that people are making their impression and first impressions are notoriously difficult to change -- we make them emotionally, non-rationally, and intuitively," he said.

Worst mistakes you can make on a new job

Last updated on: March 21, 2013 13:49 IST

Johnson said that another major blunder people often make is they feign too much confidence and don't ask for enough help.

"If you ask for help you're basically acknowledging 'I'm a newcomer here and there's a lot I don't understand'," he said.

Johnson said that by asking for assistance you will learn more and you will create relationships with your colleagues.

Worst mistakes you can make on a new job

Last updated on: March 21, 2013 13:49 IST

Another mistake people make in new jobs is they put off difficult tasks in favour of doing easy things.

Johnson said that relationships will make or break your career -- but some people make the mistake of being dragged into gossip in an effort to fit in.

Worst mistakes you can make on a new job

Last updated on: March 21, 2013 13:49 IST

He also said that it would also be a mistake to stay and "try to make the best of it" in a toxic workplace you can't change.

Another major mistake people make is they don't speak up when their new job is different from what they were promised, Mike Roddy from recruitment firm Randstad said.

He said that you should not feel too nervous to bring it up with your boss, because the employer has made an investment by hiring you and it is in their interests to make sure you stay.