0 You got the job offer?? Don't blow it your first day....

Dear McCrabby, 

I appreciate all of the help you provided during my job search.   I GOT A JOB OFFER YESTERDAY, and I start MONDAY!!!!

I would like you to share with me the things, from a business owner's perspective, that a new employee should/should not do to make sure that their new organization feels good about their new team member.

You mentioned that one of your former employees actually expensed a $0.99 cup of coffee, so I know not to do petty stuff like that. Give me a few others.  

My new company is a women-owned company, and small, so we all wear a lot of hats. Anyway I thought a “David Letterman” top ten list of things to do or not do might be helpful to make sure my new transition is a smooth one.

Thank you for any ideas you may have.

Tim in Troy

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Dear Tim,

First, congrats!!!  We're assuming that you accepted the job; if not, please tell us where it is so the rest of us can take a shot at it.

McCrabby did a list last year, for Examiner.com, so like then, he will do two lists for you; one today and another tomorrow (Click HERE for that list), or the day after (please come back).  The first is the "not-to-do" list because that will get you out of favor more quickly than missing something on the "to-do" list.  And, it goes without saying, don't be "crabby."  Don't ever say "not my job" and "don't be mean to anybody."  OK, now that those are out of the way, on to the list.

So, here goes.           

Don't DOs so you won't LOSE -  Your job...

1. Don't use the term "girls" with your new female-owned company, EVER.  These are women, who are creating a company that is offering you a position, income, and some security, so they are not girls.  In fact, once a girl passes 10, you may not want to use that term again.


2. Don't gossip.  Doesn't the receptionist have a big nose, wear her dres ses to short, or have a weird tattoo?  She might, but she also might be the best friend of someone in the office that you share those thoughts with.  Keep your mouth shut with any gossip.  And, if you  hear any, ignore it. 


3. Don't complain about your last boss.  McCrabby had 2-3 employees who did that constantly, and it didn't take long to discover why the bosses were so hard on those employees.  They were awful employees, and we're sure that today they complain about McCrabby to their poor next boss.


4. Don't smoke; even if you smoke, don't smoke.  In fact, now is the time to quit if you do smoke.  If you can't quit, at least quit during the day.  It is very fr ustrating for an employer, and for other employees, when someone is "out on a smoke break" AGAIN.  Plus, you stink if you smoke and even though you don't think you do, and even though you use mints, and cologne, you still smell like an ashtray.  Sorry, but it's true.


5. Don't ask for time off now.  If you do a great job, and need a day or two somewhere, they'll make that available. 


6. Tell the spouse not to call you more than once a day at the office; once a week would be better, and almost never would be best. 


7. Don't be bitter, or petty, about anything.  If you don't get the office you want, or if you get  a rickety chair, or you're stuck in the basement, make the best of it.  Be positive about it all.  McCrabby has a friend who hired a McCrabby colleague at IBM, for a high-level position and then took two days off, starting the day the new guy started.  That new guy spent two days trying to coordinate his office and furniture instead of trying to do his new job; he didn't last long.


8. Don't try to get paid for more than you work.  Don't skimp on hours.  Don't show up late, don't leave early, and if you're being paid by the hour, don't count it to the minute.  Round down.  If you worked 8.25 hours, call it 8 and be happy you're working.  And, while we're at it, the example you cited brings to mind a pet peeve -- don't nickel-and-dime.  If you bought a McDonald's coffee for 99 cents, while waiting to see a client, don't expense it.  McCrabby paid it when it happened, but never forgot it, obviously.  So, what cost is that 99 cents?


9. Don't assume.  If you aren't sure what is being requested, get more definition. 


10. Don't ever be negative.  Other employees may drive you to distraction, the bos s may have an annoying habit, the toilet paper may be single-ply.  Whatever it is, make the best of it.  If you don't like something, chances are someone else doesn't like it, as well,  so let them be the impetus to change; unless you can improve your product by changing -- then, by all means, make a recommendation.

All the best and congrats again, Tim. 

The TO DOs were posted on January 21 (click HERE)

We hope you'll come back.

Good luck to all job searchers.

__________________________________________________
McCrabby can be reached by email (mccrabby@humantransitions.com)

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