Starting a new job is an opportunity for reinvention. Unlike your previous job, you are able to establish a new positive perception that can solidify your personal and professional brand within the office. For this to be beneficial, you have to of course think about the person and employee you want to be. As much as you can be the entertaining guy at the office, you want to make sure your actions and thought process are geared towards career success. To do this, align your actions with your goals. This type of mentality will allow you to clarify and foster the person you are meant so that you are ready for your big first day.

Now as exciting as it may be to enter into a new position at a different company, you have to understand that you are still technically on a probation period. To secure your job and establish that positive presence within the office, you want to provide a strong first impression amongst your peers and management. Unlike college, a quirky joke or a favorite sports team will not be the saving grace in establishing that positive image. Instead, being thought provoking, strategic, and hardworking will help specify your presence within the office

To help you through this process, I have provided various helpful tips that you can utilize on your first day. Like it or not, first impressions do matter. And if you are looking to grow and succeed at this new company, you want to make sure you start things off on the right foot.

1. First one In, Last one Out

As stated above, your first few weeks within this position is more of a probation period than anything. During this time, a majority of your coworkers, especially your managers, will be observing your work ethics and your work behavior. With that being said, embody the phrase, ‘first one in, last one out.’ Now I am not saying that you have to be the first one in the office. But if you are looking to make a positive impression on your managers and higher ups, try arriving earlier than most. In addition, just don’t hang out in your cube or relax in the break room. Instead, try talking with some of your colleagues and start working immediately.

2. Ask a lot of Questions

Remember, you are the new kid on the block. As much as you want to showcase your strengths, you have to understand that you are still miles behind the rest. To help you with this, make sure you ask a variety of questions. Constantly asking will allow you to learn more about the culture and overall role of your position. In addition, try going beyond the parameters of your position and connect and network with other departments. This may lead to something more positive in the future.

3. Network, Network, Network!

Regardless of your position or your field, network will never stop. In fact, the concept to connect with another person should be a natural tendency if you are looking to move and grow with your company. To learn more about the office and your colleagues, make sure you are connecting both in and out of the office. In addition, try networking with some of the higher ups. This can possibly provide them particular ideas, especially with promotional talks.

4. Do the Dirty Work

Like it or not, you are still the newbie and as much as you want to tackle the bigger clients or the more lucrative campaigns, you have to understand your place in the totem pole. During your first few months, make it a priority to volunteer your time to your team, especially if you are done with your work. This will, in turn, allow you to gain a stronger insight about your position and propel you to where you need to five months down the line. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. So why not start by engaging and learning from those around you.