Learn the company’s culture. Study your company’s work environment. What are the written and unwritten rules? Is yours a traditional company with closed doors, neckties, and formal memos? Or does it have an "open door" policy where anyone can talk to anyone at anytime? Try keeping a journal of your observations-just the act of note-taking can help you assess how you are fitting in and the areas you need to work on.

Be polite. You’ll want to be on your best behavior from the first day, but remember that etiquette extends both up and down the corporate ladder. Not only are receptionists and support staff worthy of your politeness, but they can also be good friends and contacts for the future.

Present yourself realistically. Don’t try to be a Superperson, and don’t say you can do everything. You will be presenting yourself to your fellow employees (who will be watching) through your words and actions. Be yourself. Ultimately, people like other people who are real.

Dress to conform. It’s good advice to overdress initially -- you can always go casual later. Look around and note what your superiors and co-workers are wearing, then follow their lead. You’re probably still being evaluated for the first six months, and your clothes say a lot about you to others.

Learn their names. Meeting a lot of new people at once can confuse most people. Try jotting down a name immediately after you meet someone or secure an organizational chart with names and titles, which can also help you understand your company’s hierarchy.

Watch desk and phone etiquette. An organized desk suggests an organized employee -- your space is your space, but it’s also company space so political bumper stickers are best kept at home. Avoid casual personal calls, as it is best to make those calls selectively.

Talk in meetings. As a newcomer, you may want to contribute but don’t want to be ridiculed or rejected. The best strategy is to focus on the facts of the topic under discussion, such as research results, timetables, or product specifications.

Do lunch. You might consider lunch as your personal time and prefer privacy. Still, to fit in and learn about your job, try going to lunch with your co-workers from time to time. Not eating with them can suggest that you’re aloof and not enjoying their company.

Relate democratically. Learning to work well with many different individuals is a challenge. Even if you don’t particularly like some people, you will have to able to work with them, anyway. Try to be friendly to everyone, and try not to make any personal judgments about people initially. Remember that a little charm and humor can go a long way toward easing friction and resolving problems.