Starting a new job can be daunting, however, by following some simple steps you can increase your chances of getting off to a fabulous start. Read our top tips below:

• Get to Know the Team – Don’t expect to be best friends with everyone on day one. But showing you’re interested in getting to know them, as well as being enthusiastic about your work, will naturally allow your colleagues to be more open and welcoming to you. Try and schedule some time with each of your team mates during your first few weeks to find out more about them: how long they’ve been at the company, what positions they’ve held, what they do and where they’ve worked in the past, are all great potential questions to ask.

• Avoid Complaining – Although you’ll have some idea of your role because of the work you put into your application and getting through the interview process, you won’t necessarily know the ins-and-outs of the induction process until you’re officially on the job. Some companies will ease you in gently with some introductory training and interaction with the business. Some companies may set objectives and deadlines immediately. Show willing to get stuck into a wide variety of work and tasks, but also avoid being a doormat – don’t let fellow employees load you with their left-over work that they can’t be bothered to do on a Friday afternoon just because you’re the newbie.

• Speak Up and Ask Questions - You might be the new girl but don’t sit in meetings in silence. Ask questions, learn as much as you can about the company and contribute to the conversation. You need to be visible, the more people see and hear you the sooner they will get used to seeing you around. As much as you’re likely to want to hit the ground running, you can’t expect to be an expert in the field in your first few weeks. So, if you don’t know something, or you feel like you need help, always ask – speaking up is not a sign of weakness. In fact, your employers are likely to be more impressed with your honesty. In a more practical sense, you’ll actually be learning something, rather than staying silent and hoping a problem goes away.

• Introduce Yourself – Take the initiative to meet people. Say hello in the elevator, kitchen, or bathroom. It will pay off in the end. Don’t assume others will always approach you first (although this would be courteous of them), so make the first move and start up a conversation whenever you have a spare 5 minutes.

• Have a Positive Attitude – Expect to feel overwhelmed at points within your first few weeks at work, this is completely normal, but try and stay positive. There may even be times where you doubt if the job is right for you, or if you will ever fully click with your fellow colleagues, but you will, it just takes time. Nothing will fall into pace straight away, so patience and ensuring you maintain a positive attitude is crucial.

• Dress Well - Make an effort not only with your work and attitude but also with how you look. Ensure you are wearing clothes that are suitable for the company you are working with. Over your first few days, make a note of your fellow employees typical working outfits and fit your own around this norm.

• Learn Co-workers’ Names Quickly – Addressing your fellow colleagues by their name makes a much greater impact than addressing them without. It shows you have made the effort to remember their names amongst everything else that you are having to remember in your first few days. Addressing someone by their name creates interaction on a much more personal level and will build friendships quicker.

• Take Notes –Don’t be afraid to get out the good old note-pad and pen. Making notes will not only benefit you later when having to remember something a few days down the line, but will also demonstrate initiative and willingness to learn.

• Arrive Early, Leave Late and Avoid Calling in Sick – For your first few weeks at least, try and arrive a few minutes early. This will give you time to settle at your desk, make a cup of coffee and avoid any stress before the day has even started. Also, try to avoid being the first person to leave the office, stay back for a few extra minutes every now and again to finish making some notes or follow up some emails and this will also make a good impression, showing that you’re not in an immediate rush to leave every day. Unfortunately, sometimes, calling in sick is unavoidable, however try your absolute best to avoid this happening within the first month or so. Your boss and fellow colleagues need to know you are reliable.

• Take Advantages to Socialise Outside of Working Hours – Try and attend social events organised by your workplace, this will enable you to speak to your colleagues in a more relaxed context and build on friendships.

• Network – Once you know the names of your colleagues, remember to connect with them on LinkedIn. This will boost your profile and enable you to discover a little bit more about them all, opening the opportunity for further conversations and opportunities.

• Ask for Feedback – Speak to your boss on a regular basis. Although your boss most likely won’t be the person training or supervising you in the first few weeks, ask for feedback on your progress. Such as where you can improve and if you are meeting their expectations. The person training you will provide your boss with all relevant information.