Be ready and willing to assist others with their work. You are trying to build a reputation as the kind of person willing to go the extra mile. Feel free to volunteer to lead a project or travel to remote clients. Just make sure that all of your assigned work is completed in addition to whatever assistance you offer to others.
Many employers have strict rules about using your company computer for personal purposes. Make sure that you know what the policies are and that you adhere to them scrupulously. Even when the company allows personal activities on your computer (social media, personal email, etc.), avoid any personal use for your first month on the job (this includes your smart phone and tablet computer). You never know when another employee may glance at your workstation, and you do not want him or her to assume that you are wasting your time, even if it is only a few moments.
If you are not sure about something, either in your assignments or a workplace policy, make sure to ask a colleague or supervisor for assistance. It is much better to ask and receive clarification than to make an erroneous assumption. However, before you ask, check to see if the information is readily available.
It is also advisable to ask your supervisor for some feedback on your initial performance. If there is something he or she doesn’t like, it’s far better to know early on so you can rectify the situation. If your supervisor is amenable to the idea, ask if you can have a weekly or biweekly meeting to discuss your performance and any other issue that may arise. Do not wait until your first performance review to gauge how your work is being received.
It can be very helpful to spend some of your break and lunch time getting to know your co-workers. Ask if you can join them for lunch or a coffee break to start building relationships.
Sometimes you may see your co-workers joking and teasing one another. As you are new to the team, don’t join and trade jokes unless, and until, you’re confident that it will be well received (err on the side of caution here). Unless you work in the political or religious realm, stay away from political and religious debates, even if your colleagues are having a discussion.
Very few people do this, but it is a valuable strategy: Keep a spreadsheet where you document your work and major achievements on a weekly basis. That way you have a list of everything you have accomplished when you receive your first performance review. Later in your career, that spreadsheet can be a valuable aid in justifying a request for a raise or a bonus.
In conclusion, this is an auspicious time. You’re finally going to work! Starting a new job, however, is both an exciting and a stressful occasion. You have the potential to contribute and succeed as a member of a new team and organization. But at the same time, understand that judgments will be made about your performance, work style and ability to get along and collaborate with co-workers very quickly. Do everything you can to prove you are a valuable, creative, affable and productive member of the team. Demonstrate that you work hard and make sure you produce excellent results in a timely fashion.
In truth, to be truly successful, that initial work ethic should really never change. I always tell my students that their ultimate goal is for their bosses to believe that their employee’s paycheck is the best money they’ve ever spent.