Start as You Mean to Go On

Being the new kid on the block is both challenging and exciting. During those first few early days where you are meeting everyone -- and everyone is meeting you -- first impressions about you can make a major impact on your future success. Don’t worry, your new bosses don't expect you to knock their socks off or change the world straight away. Most employers realize that there is settling in period and a learning curve for most positions. It is important is to fit in personally as well as professionally.

Below are 10 simple rules to help with that:

Show a Positive Attitude

Nothing works better -- in all situations -- than having and expressing a positive attitude. Let your enthusiasm for being part of the organisation show to everyone you interact with. Always leave non-work problems at home. Show loyalty and be careful to share any initial praise you get with the team. Nothing works like kindness and genuine appreciation. So, show your appreciation to everyone who helps you learn the ropes during your first days.

Try to remember people’s names

No one expects you to know everyone's name off by heart by the end of the first week, but if you are bad with names, take time to write peoples names down or walk round and introduce yourself to people to learn them. If you are in a situation in which you forget a person's name, don’t pretend to know it, rather admit fault, apologise and ask their name again.

Ask when you need information or help

No one expects you to solve all the organization's problems in your first few days – so relax a bit, and always ask questions when you are not sure about something. It is always better to ask before you've made a mistake, if you don’t people may then have to help you undo what you have done, wasting their time.

Take Notes/Go to Induction

Unless you have a photographic memory -- and few of us do -- consider taking notes when you meet with people, and notes on all the various systems of the organization. Attend all introduction and training sessions, even if they sound a bit tedious. People often get irritated by someone repeatedly asking how something works.

Be a Self-Starter; Take Initiative

In most situations, in your first days on the job, you will be given small doses of work -- to ease you in gently whilst you learn about the company processes. As you finish assignments and are ready to handle a bigger workload, take the initiative and ask for more work. Don't just sit there waiting for your next project.

Discover Everything About Your New Employer

In theory, you should have already done your homework during the recruitment process, but there is always more to learn now that you are one of the team. Employee handbooks or the company intranet are great places to start.

Be in the office often and on time

People notice empty desks. Fact! Continually leaving early or coming in late affects your reputation fast.. In these first days/weeks on the job, get to work on time and leave no earlier than most of your team. It is important to show up to work every day and establish a good attendance record. Yes, there will be emergencies, and yes, you may get sick, but as best you can, try to make it to work every day during those first weeks. And explain if you cant.

Avoid water-cooler gossip

Offices are rife with gossip and rumours. Make it your goal to keep your nose clean -- and be sure not to associate too often with the office rumour-monger. If you do you risk being tarred with the same brush and not trusted with important or sensitive information.

Cut down on personal business on company time

A small amount of personal admin and time is usually permitted on company time - checking email, making dinner reservations, buying stuff online. At first though, your goal is to keep your personal business to a minimum and stay focused on work. Stay off the social sites for a while and make sure you know what the company policy on internet usage is.

Remember who hired you

Your boss is not a mind-reader, so keep him/her up to date with your progress. Especially in those early days, meet with your boss to further establish a rapport and relationship. Remember not to bring the boss every little problem though, for day to day issues, ask for help from co-workers.