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:

第一印象会给人们留下“持久的记忆”。许多职业人士经历了“惨痛教训”才学会了这一点。所以在开始新工作的头几个星期要展现出你最好的一面。以下是一些新员工普遍会犯（有可能制约事业发展)的错误，以及如何避免这些错误的建议：

* Failing to adapt quickly.

没有迅速适应新环境

One of the most critical duties for any new employee is to be an astute¹ observer of corporate² 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?

新员工最要紧的任务就是机敏地观察公司文化。除了公司手册中的要点之外，还有哪些潜规则？员工们倾向面对面交流还是通过电子邮件? 工作带回家吗？在办公桌旁吃东西吗？在工作场合摆放个人照片吗?

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

你用来观察和调整的时间越长，你越会被看成是“新来的”。

* Not asking questions.

不问问题

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.

许多新员工问问题时犹豫不决，因为他们担心被看成什么都不懂或不了解情况。不过，（如果不问问题，）对于工作优先级、政策或流程做出错误的设想会更糟糕。尽早提问、经常提问。

During your first week on the job, for instance, be sure to clarify expectations with your supervisor³. 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，在工作的第一个星期，一定要和的你顶头上司明确工作期望。你首先要处理哪些任务？你的工作成绩如何评估？你要何时、如何提供项目完成状态汇报？隔多久能获得一次反馈来确保自己处于正确的工作轨道上?