Congratulations, you landed that new job you were praying for. All those weeks of uncertainty are over, you have a clear vision of your future. Now you can relax, take it easy and just come in every day and do your job. Right? Wrong!

Now it is time to deliver on what you promised in the interview. You were selected out of a candidate pool of several hundred candidates, you were judged the best – now you have to prove they were right.

Here are six things you should do from day one on your new job so you position yourself for success.

1. Make first impressions count. When you’re the new person on the job, you’ll be making a series of first impressions with everyone you meet, from the moment you arrive on the premises of your new job. Small things mean a lot: smile, acknowledge people, be polite, say thank you. Take time to introduce yourself to your co-workers and get to know them.

2. Be the first one in and the last one out. People are going to watch your work habits from day one. There’s no better way to showcase your work ethic and eagerness to take on challenges than to be the first one in and the last one out. It’s more than just optics – you’re broadcasting your dependability.

3. Be indispensable, especially to your boss. Regardless of what your job title or technical description says, your real job is about one person: your boss. Your priority is making your boss succeed. Your boss may not lay out specific expectations, goals or instructions. But if you ask clearly, listen intently, and establish early “check-ins” on your progress, you’ll develop a constructive relationship with your boss that’s all about mutual success.

4. Network, network, network. You probably networked your way into this new job-meeting with countless people, targeting opportunities, asking for warm introductions to the companies where you wanted to work. Having gone through all that effort, why would you want to stop now? Now that you have a new job, it’s a perfect opportunity to expand your network internally and externally. Focus on how you can help others, and when it comes, others will be more than happy to help you.

5. Don’t engage in gossip or talk poorly of others. This isn’t middle school anymore. While socializing is an important aspect of workplace culture, no one should act like the school bully such as by talking badly of others or gossiping about co-workers. Not only is this childish behavior, but you also may never know who could overhear what you’re are saying.

6. Be all in, all the time; performance rises above the rest. The most important aspect of working on the job is your performance. When first starting out, the pressures of a new position can be overwhelming. By committing 100% to your position, you show that you are willing to put it all in to get the job done.

If you spend the first week showing people that you care enough to get to know them, learn their practices and processes, listen and work hard, you’re off to a great start. Then all you have to do is keep the momentum going.

Rick Christensen: Director, Career Transition Practice

Rick has been a career consultant for almost 30 years, serving a very broad-based and diverse clientele. His specialties include effective group facilitation, one-on-one coaching and consultation at all levels including senior executives.

Rick’s passion is coaching individuals through career transitions, developing career management strategies and in identifying and sharpening competencies to open doors to new opportunities. His efforts have assisted thousands of individuals achieve their full potential.

Contact Rick at: [email protected]