It can be tough to be the new kid on the job. What can you do to gain respect? One of the things you should keep in mind is, first impressions stick.

Set your goal to succeed with a little planning *before* you walk into the office, by choosing your style of dress carefully. When you come in for your first interview, take note of how staff dresses and how your manager dresses. When you get the job, aim for something in between. You do not want to alienate yourself from the people you will be working with, nor do your want your new boss to be suspicious that you have your eye on her job. Even if you do, you don't have to let her know. (See my book review of ) Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office Like it or not you are judged by what you wear in the office.

Figure out the corporate culture. Of course you do want to read and follow the rules in the handbook you are given, but, every company has a set of unwritten rules also. These are the rules that may prove to be most important. For example, if it is standard to work a 50-hour week, do not expect to go home at 5 p.m. every day.

Ask friends and family not to call unless it is an emergency. If they were used to calling you at your old job, explain that it is frowned upon at your new place. If you have children, explain to your boss that you must talk to them a couple of times a day.

Concentrate on learning the job. It is fine to ask coworkers for help, but do not ask too many questions of a single person. Be prepared to learn on your own.

Do not schedule doctor appointments, etc. for during your scheduled work hours unless absolutely necessary. Your boss knows that most physicians have evening hours.

Do not try to make a big impression by juggling so much that you loose control. It is best to handle a few things, do them well, then build from there.

Build a rapport with your coworkers, but do not get involved in office politics. This 3 point check list can help:

__Take office gossip with a grain of salt.
__Listen carefully and keep your eyes open.
__Keep your opinions to yourself. Your gut feeling will tell when to speak.

Remember, you do not have to be perfect, if you make a mistake, learn from it.

The editorial blurb for the book Career Anchors, Discovering Your Real Values Career Anchors is dead on, when it states,"Career Anchors can help you think through your career options and give you a clear understanding of:

* Your own orientations toward work
* Your motives
* Your values
* Your talents"