Every day at work, strive for excellence and professionalism in everything you do.
Be organised
Plan your day in advance. Spend ten to fifteen minutes in the morning thinking about what you need to get done that day. You'll get more work done this way.
Keep your workplace tidy, so that you feel and look in control of your work.
Be reliable and punctual
If you say you'll do something, do it.
If there's a deadline attached to your work, meet it.
If you say you'll be somewhere at a certain time, be there. Establish an outstanding attendance record. Arrive at meetings on time. Bring work to do while you're waiting for others to arrive.
When the workday ends, don't rush straight out the door. Ensure that everyone knows where they stand, and that no one, particularly a customer or client, is left wondering what's going on.
Be a good communicator
Be polite and considerate and keep to the point when communicating using e-mail, voicemail and the spoken and written word.
Take the time to frame requests and instructions clearly, so that no one can make a mistake about what you're asking for. Be tactful, too, so that no one can take offence at the way you ask for things.
Take responsibility for your actions
Make sure you know exactly what is expected of you in your job, and deliver on all your tasks. Don't let any aspect of your job slide.
If you make a mistake, especially if it's likely to cost time or money to fix, tell your supervisor about it as soon as you get the chance. Apologise, and offer to do what you can to fix any problems it causes. Show your supervisor that you've taken steps to avoid making the same mistake in future.
Get feedback
Ask for feedback from your supervisor. You need to know what you're doing well and where you need to do better.
Learn as much as you can
Identify the capable people in the organisation. Watch what they do in the workplace and how they relate to others. Do what you can to use their techniques in your own job.
Take advantage of any training that's offered, whether by a formal program or a more experienced workmate. This will not only make you a better worker, it will also keep your job interesting, and open up new opportunities for you at work.
Work practices, policies and processes have usually come about for good reasons. Just because things were done differently at your last workplace doesn't mean this employer's way is wrong. Don't try to change things until you understand how they currently work, and why they are the way they are.
Once you've gained some credibility and confidence in your new job, and the trust of your employer, you can start talking about ways to improve things.
If you do see a way to make things better, propose the change in a positive way. Emphasise how the workflow would improve, or how much time or money the company would save, rather than criticising people or departments for current practices that are less than efficient.
And remember, if work has been done in a particular way for a long time, people may be reluctant to change their habits, even if your suggestion makes perfect sense. Be patient and pleasant when you meet resistance to your ideas.
Use e-mail and the Internet appropriately
Keep your personal use of e-mail and the Internet to the absolute minimum at the workplace. Your employer can easily monitor your e-mail, track how much time you spend on the Internet and find out which sites you visit. Find out what the company rules are about e-mail and Internet use, and follow them at all times.
Participate in social activities
Join in when lunches, dinners, parties or company sporting events are held. You'll be seen as part of the team, and it may lead to some great friendships.