1 Be punctual
Punctuality is the first thing people will notice, so try to be 10-15 minutes early. If you are in doubt about your route, do a dry run.
2 Dress for your environment
If you are working on site, make sure you are kitted out appropriately – hard hat, boots, jacket, high-visibility vest – unless you are in a management role where a suit is more appropriate. If you are in an office and didn't suss out the dress code at your interview, wear a suit. It's always better to go smart if you are in any doubt.
3 Show willing
Extra responsibilities and respect are rewards for those who can complete menial tasks with minimum fuss before moving on to bigger things. An acquaintance, who is a PR agent, tells her less-than-willing runners: "I can stuff 400 envelopes, do the photocopying and make the tea in two hours flat. What's your problem?" Be prepared to work extra hours if required and, above all, don't leave early at the end of the day.
4 Ask questions
Don't be worried about getting on people's nerves. Colleagues would rather be asked questions than let you complete a task incorrectly. But remember to write the answer down so you don't have to ask again.
5 Plan your day
Write a list of the tasks you need to perform. This will help you be more productive, ensure you meet deadlines and keep you calm. If you make it clear that you are working towards pre-set goals, people will help you.
You may not have enough to do in the first week. This won't last, so enjoy the lack of pressure and keep everyone stocked up with plenty of cups of tea. This is a sure-fire way of getting to know people.
Try to keep your first evening free for an after-work drink. It’s the best way of breaking the ice
6 Get on with colleagues
On your first day, concentrate on your job rather than making friends. Be pleasant but not over-familiar with your colleagues – you can't expect to be part of the furniture straight away.
Office politics are a fact of life in most workplaces, but make sure you have heard all the facts before you get embroiled. Try not to whinge if things are going wrong; instead, try to overcome setbacks with a positive outlook.
Lastly, try to keep your first evening free for an after-work drink. It's the best way of breaking the ice.
7 Show initiative
A fresh pair of eyes may see ways of improving things that have been overlooked. Bring your ideas into the company with confidence – don't be intimidated because you are new.
8 Observe company protocol
Stick to the rules, especially on smoking. If you smoke, ask an approachable colleague where and when you can have a cigarette.
9 Don't worry about mistakes
You will probably make mistakes at the start. Don't get upset about this – there would be little point in taking a job that you can do perfectly on your first day.
10 Give yourself time to settle in
