So you've filled out the application form, sailed through the interview process and all of that sweat and toil has finally paid off because you've now landed that perfect job. The celebrations are over and the first day is fast approaching. Now is where you put your words into action and prove that everything on that CV is a sum total of you...

That first week in your new job is where you will set the foundation for your future so it is vital that the impression you create is positive. Your boss and colleagues will be assessing you on both your attitude and capabilities which will reveal whether you are an asset or a liability. This is your chance to show them the type of person that you really are so take yourself as seriously as you are being watched.

The first week in a new job is where you start to familiarise yourself with everyone and likewise your colleagues will have to adjust to you. First impressions are the make or break of your career as they are formed quickly and last. With this concrete fact, it is vital that you do not make any errors at this crucial time. Ensure that you exude your charming side to everyone who is associated with the company...even the office cleaner as she could well know someone who works in the office.

Before you start breaking out in a cold sweat, don't imagine that your first week is going to mean being at everyone's beck and call in a desperate bid for acceptance. Employers are well aware that you are new and will cut you some slack but equipped with the hints and tips in this article, you can learn from others who have been in your place to help that settling in period become the most productive time that you have.

Always look on the bright side:
There is nothing as infectious and inviting as someone who has a constantly cheery disposition. Show a zest for any task and you will find your colleagues will equally feel as enthusiastic to work with you.

Leave your private life at foot of the office door and paint on a happy face the minute you walk through it.

Dress for success:
So the interview has passed and your colleagues seem to have a smart but casual approach to their work attire...this doesn't mean that you should adopt the same attitude. A few weeks down the line would be more apt when you start to blend in.

For the first week, you should always dress with professionalism as you never know when you may be asked to attend an important meeting or called to talk with the managing director. The way that you dress acts as a direct link to the way that people treat you. Someone who has taken the time to present themselves as an articulate and immaculate individual shows great organizational skills. This means that you are likely to be organized within a work environment and are more likely to be head-hunted for bigger and better things as time passes by.

One common vision:
Your colleagues are not just faces that you work with every day, they are your team and you need to ensure that you fit in with them. By showing that you value their thoughts and opinions, you can actively contribute to ideas or provide solutions to problems. Simply just taking the time to praise them will lift morale and make you more likely to be appreciated for your support and creative input.

Putting names to faces:
If you have a poor memory for names, you need to create a system which will quickly help you to identify each colleague. Pick out a prominent feature with hard to remember colleagues and use it is an anchor for recall. For example: Ash from accounts has a prominent moustache, try relating to him to Ash with the moustache. By the end of your first week, you should be able to remember the names of at least eight or name people.

If in doubt....ask:
You are not expected to walk into a job and start running the company from day one, so don't be afraid to ask for help. It is far better to learn how to do something properly the first time round than to go it alone and get it wrong. You do not have to prove that you are better than everyone else in fact this would only create tension and resentment. By asking for help from your team members and showing appreciation for their advice, you demonstrate effective communication skills and prove that you are keen to learn the ropes and become a valued addition.

Make a note of it:
When you are learning new systems and set ups, it is far easier for someone to tell you once. Unless you have a photographic memory, it may be more productive for a colleague to spend that extra bit longer running through the various processes so as you can take notes. People become tired of having to continually repeat themselves and you start to wear out your welcome, it also creates the impression that lack interest.

Manage yourself:
The first week of your new job will usually involve a process of small, short tasks which will ease you into things. As you successfully complete each one, your list of duties will increase. If you feel that the company is moving you on too slowly, show your initiative and ask for more responsibilities. If your hands are free, use them. Don't sit quietly playing with the stapler or swinging on the office chair, make yourself useful. There is sure to be someone who could do with some help, so make yourself available and lighten their load, so as they can go on to complete more important tasks.

Not your average 9 to 5:
Making it a rule to arrive at work on time is great but always show a willingness to stay behind at the end of the day. Show your commitment to the job and back that CV up by proving that you are flexible. A dedication to your job indicates that you are a go-getter and someone who is prepared to work tooth and nail to succeed. As the weeks pass, you will be in a better position to leave a little earlier or take work home but in the first few weeks, show complete and utter dedication.

No days off:
It goes without saying that any days off work in the first week or even the first three months will not swing in your favour. The aim is to establish an excellent attendance record, this means putting your career before everything else, unless it is an absolutely unavoidable crisis. So make it to work every single day.

Don't talk the talk:
When you work in a close-knit environment, it is easy to become embroiled in office gossip. Though, your comments may appear innocent, any opinions should be kept to yourself. As the weeks go by, it is inevitable that you will become exposed to office politics and you may want to share your opinion. But for the first few weeks, keep your attention fixed on learning the ropes.

Don't bring your home into the office:
Most employees conduct some form of personal business in the office. It is so easy to direct the mouse to your mail box or pick up the phone and arrange for that huge bunch of flowers to reach the girl of your dreams by midday but the only thing on your mind should be work....leave the personal stuff to your own personal time.

After hour's activities:
If your colleagues meet up after hours, ask to be included that very same week. This is a great way to bond on a less formal level... but remember these are still people that you have to spend the majority of your working week with. Don't drink too much and still stay neutral when it comes to office tittle-tattle.

Stay in with the boss:
During the first few days, it is important that your boss is aware of your progress. Keep him informed by arranging a meeting to evaluate your performance. Show him at the end of the first week that you are very keen to progress and ask for advice on how you can move forward.

Everyone dreads being the newbie as you are placed in an unknown environment and expected to produce great results. By staying relaxed, focussed, friendly and conscientious, you should quickly make a great lasting impression in just five days!