The following seven tips can help you make a successful transition:

Tip #1: Focus on learning. In the first 30 days, or even up to 90 in some cases, your primary job should be to soak up as much information as possible about your new role and how your work affects or is affected by the roles of others in the organization. Listen and observe more than you talk. Remember that you're the new kid on the block, and you'll be accepted more quickly if you demonstrate a genuine receptiveness to learning the ins and outs of your new environment.

Pay special attention to the nuances of the corporate culture and the unspoken rules about "how things are done around here." You can glean a lot about workplace dynamics simply by taking note of how your new colleagues interact with one another.

Tip #2: Figure out who the key players are. Although the organizational chart will show the formal chain of command, every office also has its influential players who possess significant power because of their job function, experience or contacts. These individuals may include the person who is extremely knowledgeable about a particular process or computer system, the one who has an extensive network of connections throughout the company, or the long-time administrative professional who can help you cut through procedural red tape. Take the time to identify and develop relationships with these key professionals.

Tip #3: Clarify expectations. Meet with your boss to review and clarify expectations, set objectives for the first few months on the job and establish a timeline for meeting them. In addition, ask your manager about organizational priorities, performance standards and preferences regarding workflow and communication. By reaching a mutual understanding on these matters, you can prevent many problems from developing and gain a better sense of your supervisor's management style.

Tip #4: Don't rock the boat right away. Even if your previous experience has convinced you that your new company is using outmoded systems or processes, avoid making critical comparisons right off the bat. If, after a few months of firsthand experience with the firm's procedures, you feel the methods you used previously were more effective, tactfully propose some changes. Your recommendations will carry more weight after you've had time to familiarize yourself with your new employer's business processes and develop constructive relationships.

Tip #5: Identify success factors. Seek to understand the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in your new position. What competencies do you see in those in key positions, such as the partner in charge of your service line or the controller assigned to your business unit? Do they seem generally conservative in their approach to business, or do they tend to be creative problem solvers? Are their backgrounds primarily in accounting, or do they have more of a general business orientation? As you come to understand the attributes of successful professionals within your organization, try to emulate the best of these characteristics, assuming you're comfortable with the values and behaviors you observe.

Tip #6: Be cautiously social. Especially in the early days of your tenure in a new job, be sure to join in if you're invited out for lunch, a coffee run or other social events. These outside-the-office interactions can offer valuable insights into individual personalities and organizational culture. Furthermore, you don't want to run the risk of being considered antisocial by turning down invitations.

But be careful not to let your guard down too much when socializing away from the office. No matter how comfortable you feel with your new colleagues – or how much they reveal about their professional or personal lives – don't confide anything you would feel uncomfortable about were it to become widely known in the office. Similarly, try to remain above the fray when discussions turn to complaints about coworkers or other gossip. Becoming involved in office politics, especially early on, can damage your budding relationships and efforts to establish a positive reputation.

Tip #7: Be dependable. Arrive at work on time and stay until others leave. Answer e-mails and return phone calls promptly. This advice may seem obvious, but the importance of demonstrating a strong work ethic from the beginning cannot be stressed enough. Also, as much as possible, offer to help those under deadline pressure. Your generosity will likely be remembered down the road.

Finally, keep in mind that enthusiasm and a positive attitude can go a long way toward endearing you to new colleagues. Show everyone that you're glad to be part of the team and eager to make your mark. By being upbeat and cooperative, it won't be long before you're seen as a valuable member of the group.

DeLYNN SENNA, CPA, is the executive director of permanent placement services for North America for Robert Half International. Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company's financial staffing divisions include Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, Accountemps® and Robert Half® Management Resources, for full-time, temporary and senior-level project professionals, respectively. For more information about Robert Half, please visit www.rhi.com.