Starting a career in a new job can be often never-racking. You might be excited about the opportunity but you would also be scared of meeting new colleagues, learning office etiquette and making a transition from college life to a professional one. Getting the job probably was a difficult task for you, but tough times would begin after you have joined one. Your first impression on colleagues and boss would count, and you would be judged accordingly. Infact it is said, first three months of any job are more of extensions of an interview. Make sure your first few weeks create a good impression and help you in further growth.

Following is a list of 15 points which will help you put your best foot forward.

• Dress Professionally – Never underestimate the importance of dressing professionally. Change your wardrobe if you have to and get a good collection of professional outfits. It is alright to be overdressed for first few weeks of your new job as you might be getting introduced to lot of people and attending orientations and trainings. However, later you can blend in with your colleagues.
• Be confident and have a positive attitude – It is quite normal to be bit anxious about your new job. But do not allow your nervousness to show. Be confident and do not hesitate to interact with others. Believe in yourself and be assured that you are capable to handle your job responsibilities and tackle problems. Having a positive attitude is a key to success. Whatever might be the circumstances carry a smile on your face and know that you will be able to take care of it. Never underestimate your position or capabilities.
• Network with Key People in Organization – Networking helps a lot. Right from your first day try and interact with maximum people. Attend staff meetings, conferences, trade-shows so as to meet people from your organization and profession. Interacting with someone from your organizations helps in understanding a lot about the company, policies, and etiquettes, and certain unsaid but strict rules. And networking with people who are from similar field gives you an idea about what works in the market, the recent trends and competitor’s analysis.
• Be innovative – Try to think outside box. Since you are new to the company there are higher chances you can come up with better ideas to improve products, position or productivity of your company. Share these ideas with your colleagues or superiors. Volunteer for various projects.
• Communicate professionally – However great your ideas are if you cannot communicate properly, they hold no meaning. So develop your communication skill and project your thoughts clearly. Be a good listener as listening is just as important as speaking. At entry level your listening abilities are more important. Be like a sponge and gather as much information as you can, be hurry to respond or act, but listen to all details, understand them and then take necessary steps.Do not build an I-know-all reputation by not listening carefully or acting immediately. Try making conversation with your boss and colleagues. Make sure all your communications adhere to your corporate guidelines and are professional.
• Set expectations with your boss and employees – Know what is expected from you. Set your targets together with your boss on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. If you are at a managerial position set your expectation with your direct reports.
• Show Team Spirit – Be a part of the team. Show loyalty to your colleagues. Focus on sharing your recognition and taking responsibility for any issues. Always give credit to your team that reflects your team spirit and helps build trust.
• Show Appreciation- Nothing works like genuine appreciation. So make it a point to show your appreciation towards anybody who offers to help you even little bit. It may be your co-worker, subordinate, superiors, receptionist and human resource.
• Ask Questions – As you are new comer no one expect you to know everything. Even if your question may sound silly clear it out before proceeding as completing a task in wrong manner will lead to other problems. Communicate openly and discuss all your doubts well in advance. If you don’t clear them now, asking them later will be more difficult.
• Take Notes and attend all orientation/training programs – Write down everything you feel is necessary. It could be names of colleagues, their positions, daily task, expectations or meeting schedules. Every detail counts and rather than asking same question again and again it is better to have the details jotted it down somewhere. Also, no matter how boring the orientation and training programs may sound, make sure you attend them all.
• Work Full Days and maintain good attendance record- Never come late to office. Coming late can damage your reputation in your new job. Especially during your first few weeks, be sure to work for fulltime even if you don’t have much to do. Be dedicated and flexible. Put in extra efforts if needed as it will help you grow better. Once you have established yourself you can leave early, go out for lunch or shift your working hours, but do not take these luxuries right at the beginning. Take minimum leaves in your initial days as you may miss on important training programs or task. Unless there is an emergency or you are not well, do not take unnecessary leaves.
• Avoid Office Politics/Gossip- As with any organization, each workplace is full of rumors and gossips. Do not get involved in all those. But sure not to get associated with any. Sooner or later you may get involved but do not unnecessarily jump into it in your first few days.
• Keep your personal and professional lives separate – When in office avoid personal work check emails, making dinner reservations, buying stuff online, attending long calls and so on. This is the time to show your commitment and stand to the company’s expectations, so make most out of it.
• Find a Mentor – Mentoring has numerous benefits. Find a mentor with whom you can share your career and professional goals, somebody who can direct you through. He may be outside your department but somebody senior who can show you right direction to move on.
• Keep Your Boss Informed­ – Your boss may not be aware of everything you do. To build a better rapport it is advisable to have meetings with your boss wherein you can showcase what you have done, learn about the expectation and clarify your doubts, if any.