As many professionals have learned the hard way, first impressions often last. That's why it's critical to put your best foot forward during the first few weeks at a new job. Following are some common (but potentially career-limiting) mistakes that new hires make -- along with tips on how to avoid them:

第一印象會給人們留下“持久的記憶”。許多職業人士經歷了“慘痛教訓”才學會了這一點。所以在開始新工作的頭幾個星期要展現出你最好的一面。以下是一些新員工普遍會犯（有可能制約事業發展)的錯誤，以及如何避免這些錯誤的建議：

* Failing to adapt quickly.

沒有迅速適應新環境

One of the most critical duties for any new employee is to be an astute observer of corporate culture. In addition to what's highlighted in the company handbook, what are the unwritten rules? Do workers tend to communicate face-to-face or via email? Is work taken home? Do people eat at their desks? Are personal photographs on display?

新員工最要緊的任務就是機敏地觀察公司文化。除了公司手冊中的要點之外，還有哪些潛規則？員工們傾向面對面交流還是通過電子郵件? 工作帶回家嗎？在辦公桌旁吃東西嗎？在工作場合擺放個人照片嗎?

The longer it takes you to take notice and adjust, the longer you'll be viewed as "the new kid on the block."

你用來觀察和調整的時間越長，你越會被看成是“新來的”。

* Not asking questions.

不問問題

Many new employees are hesitant to ask questions because they're afraid of being perceived as pesky or uninformed. It's far worse, however, to make incorrect assumptions about priorities, policies or procedures. Ask questions early and often.

許多新員工問問題時猶豫不決，因為他們擔心被看成什么都不懂或不了解情況。不過，（如果不問問題，）對于工作優先級、政策或流程做出錯誤的設想會更糟糕。盡早提問、經常提問。

During your first week on the job, for instance, be sure to clarify expectations with your supervisor. What assignments should you tackle first? How will your performance be evaluated? When and how should you provide project status updates? How often can you expect feedback to ensure that you're on the right track?

例如，在工作的第一個星期，一定要和的你頂頭上司明確工作期望。你首先要處理哪些任務？你的工作成績如何評估？你要何時、如何提供項目完成狀態匯報？隔多久能獲得一次反饋來確保自己處于正確的工作軌道上?

(to be continued)

（感謝網友abc_123分享 英語點津 Annabel 編輯）