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No one likes being the new kid. The stares, the whispers, everyone constantly watching your every move, waiting for you to mess up. Starting a new job is like entering a new school; you want to do everything possible to fit in and be accepted.

But a smart worker knows that in order to do so, there's a few rules that you must follow to gain respect on the job:

1. Be on Time. You know the old adage- "Early is on time, on time is late!" When you first start a job, make an effort to be earlier than necessary. Doing so shows not only your punctuality and accountability, but also that you are serious about your position. And even more so, it's common courtesy to be on time.

2. Dress for the Job. Even if the office is "business casual," make your first-day outfit slightly more professional than necessary. A business suit with heels for ladies, and a tie and slacks for men. You must look the part that you want to be.

3. Don't Try to Change the Rules. Every office has their own "rules," or ways in which things have always been done. Constructive criticism to better the environment is always good, but keep it limited in your early days. Things are that way for a reason, and if it works for everyone else, make it work for you as well.

4. Don't Get Caught Up in Office Gossip. The best way to bond with coworkers is over water-cooler chatting. But beware of the chatterboxes who spread gossip like wildfire. Those aren't the individuals that are going to benefit in you in your job, and you don't want their bad reputation bleeding on to you.

5. Don't BE the Office Gossip. Keep alcohol-fueled get-togethers to a limit. One wild night can tarnish your image in a company forever, and if it gets back to your boss, can ruin all chances of promotion. Don't do anything with coworkers that you wouldn't want your mother or father knowing about!

6. Don't Start an On-the-Job Relationship. Whether with a coworker or superior, inter-office dating is difficult to manage, and, in many companies, against the code of conduct. Your place of employment is not a dating service and should not be treated one. Focus on the job. If a relationship does arise, make sure you are not violating company policy, and keep any talk of your relationship outside of the workplace.

7. Do Your Job, and Do It Well. They obviously hired you for a reason, so put your experience and skill sets to good use. Work hard, pick up overtime if needed, and show your commitment early on. It will pay off down the road!

Learn more about this author, Jamie LB.
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