Being the newest employee at a company is akin to being the new student in class or the new family on the block - people view you with a sense of curiosity and caution, sometimes mixed with personal biases and stereotypes. Being the "new kid on the block" presents a unique opportunity to make lasting first-impressions (both positive and negative) that will influence future interactions with your coworkers as well as some career moves.

An employee's introduction to a new work environment is a daunting experience, but following these tricks will help make your introduction as smooth and painless as possible.

1. Be Polite and Professional.
Whenever possible, err on the side of caution when it comes to conversation, dress and behaviour in and out of the office. Until you get a better understanding of workplace politics, keep gossiping to an absolute minimum, avoid getting "tipsy" with your new office friends, and encourage ethical behaviour from those around you. This will be one of very few opportunities you may have to show your best side - use this time to impress your boss and coworkers with your great work habits, not your drunken rendition of "I Will Survive" at the office holiday party.

2. Be Yourself.
Don't make up elaborate lies and stories about your past or present - imagine having to stick with these stories for the rest of your career, or possibly having them affect professional decisions you may make in the future. In line with the previous point, keep your personal life personal and don't try to impress anyone with anything but the truth. The plus side? You will be much more comfortable with yourself and telling the truth will allow you to make stronger connections with your new work friends.

3. Be Social.
If you are invited to lunch with your new coworkers, try to take them up on their offer. At appropriate times for your workplace, visit your fellow employees and make a point to learn about them as much as possible. One sneaky trick used to get people to like you? Focus 90% of the conversation on them as opposed to yourself. You can make this tip more effective by remembering small details about your coworkers and bringing them up at a later time (i.e. if someone tells you his daughter is the lead in a school play tonight, be sure to ask how it went the day following - brownie points if you ask to see pictures).

4. Be Career-Minded.
In addition to being under the scrutiny of your coworkers, your employers will

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