Within mere seconds, people form opinions about new people they meet. All the more reason to ensure you make the right impression on your boss and colleagues when starting a new job.
In the early days in a new work environment, it is important to come across as a team player. It's a deal maker as well as a deal breaker. In fact, it has been said that while it takes four to 14 months to seek out and land a great new job, it can take fewer than 90 days to lose it.

While the jury is deliberating on whether you'll be a good fit for the organization, the best qualities you can display are intelligence, flexibility and a willingness to not only work hard, but learn from those around you.

Here are some tips to make a good impression on the people you work with:

Before starting your new job

• When you land your new position, be sure to contact the decision-makers who made it possible and express your gratitude. It's astonishing how often people forget to say thank you; equally amazing is the power those two words can have on the receiving end.
• Review your interview notes so that you can quickly recall the people you met during the interview process and greet them by name when you walk in on your first day.
• If possible, take time off between jobs so that you can start your new position with a clear mind and refreshed attitude. If you have no vacation time to use, ensure you can at least get a good night's sleep so that you are well rested and at the top of your game.

On your first day

• Take notes as you go along. This includes jotting down new processes you've learned or questions you need to ask at the opportune time. No one expects you to know all the jargon or remember every detail when you are absorbing so much information so quickly.
• Introduce yourself to everyone. Be visible and meet people as soon as possible, so that everyone from supervisors to subordinates can get to know who you are. Treat everyone with equal respect and let them know you're glad to have joined their team.
• Show your appreciation to people showing you the ropes. These early workplace mentors are taking time away from their own workload to help you get accustomed to your new environment, so be friendly and receptive to them in turn.

In your first week

• Keep your workspace organized. Your desk should look tidy and efficient, but doesn't have to be completely empty (it makes people wonder what you've been doing). You will likely be deluged by paperwork and asked to multitask, so set priorities right off the bat and keep things in order.
• Resist voicing your opinions. At least until you get the lay of the land. People likely won't appreciate the new kid coming in and trying to criticize, fix or change things right away. Instead, earn respect by quietly observing the culture and being all ears to your co-workers: listen 80 per cent of the time; talk 20 per cent of the time.
• Don't fall into a clique. While it is great to be make new friends and gain acceptance, be aware that alliances can be political. Get to know everyone in your workplace by casually socializing with several people, then decide with whom you want to build friendships.

Within the first three months

• Pay your dues before doing things differently. Although you may be eager to impress people and make a mark on your surroundings, the best thing you can do for your career at this point is to be patient. Once you have built some trust and credibility as a member of the team, you will be given greater leeway to make a larger contribution.
• Understand the corporate culture. There is more to organizational structure than a corporate flow chart. Pay attention to subtle insights from your peers of how things really get done and take careful note of personality issues ranging from pecking order to how the boss prefers to receive input and information.
• Set precedents you can live up to. While you may want to shine like a new penny, be careful that you aren't setting yourself up to fail by looking too keen. For instance, if you start putting in 12-hour days, people will expect it -- and if you stop suddenly, people will question it. Likewise, if you set unattainable goals and then miss the achievement, it may affect your motivation and cause make others wonder if you've oversold yourself. Do your best to meet expectations, work to your abilities and support the rest of your team.

-- With reporting by Barbara Chabai

John McFerran, PhD, CMC, F. CHRP, is founder and president of People First HR Services Ltd. For more information, visit www.peoplefirsthr.com.

RESEARCH:

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-514-The-Workplace-18-Ways-to-Impress-a-New-Employer/?ArticleID=514&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=0b25882d044f43e089a74348ee30ff53-300188924-wz-6&ns_siteid=ns_ca_g_impress_new_employer

http://www.ehow.com/how_4786341_impress-boss-office-job.html

http://www.fiveoclockclub.com/careerCoach/13rightFoot.html

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 19, 2009 G1