Starting a new job is one of the most stressful things you can do. What to wear? Who's the boss? Where's the coffee? Where's the loo? Will I cope? What will my colleagues be like? What if I can't do what they ask me to?

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This is something everyone's been through, unless you are the sole recipient of a huge inheritance or you won the lottery at age 18.

So what are the things you should and shouldn't do on your first day at work?

Be on time. Rather be half an hour early than not be there at starting time. This creates a very bad first impression and might make your new employer wonder about the wisdom of appointing you – even before you've started.

Report to the boss. On arrival, go to the person who interviewed you. They will tell you where to go and who to report to.

Ask for help. Ask people how things are done here. You are entitled to ask, because you are new. Don't be scared to look stupid – you will look even more stupid if you fluff something up three months down the line because you didn't have the guts to ask when you got there.

Dress: formal and inconspicuous. Don't wear anything that will attract attention. Dress in dark colours and rather too formal than too informal. No Garfield ties, no bare midriffs, no teetering heels, no garish jewellery.

Don't make waves. Keep a low profile and do not speak unless you are spoken to. You are the new kid on the block, and even if you are in a managerial position, still have to earn your wings. Accept that you will initially be at the low end of the pecking order.

In my last job we did things like this. Nobody cares about your last job and how things were done there. Don't rush in where angels fear to tread, giving advice to people who have been doing the job in that place for a lot longer than you have. This is the fastest way to make yourself unpopular.

Steer clear of the office gossip. This person is usually easily identifiable on the first day. This is the person who warns you against other staff members. Be wary of anyone who will trust a complete stranger with information about colleagues to whom he/she is supposed to feel a certain loyalty. What will she/he be saying about you to the next person who starts working there?

Remember names. You may not be able to remember everyone's name, but make a special effort with the people with whom you will be working. It could be embarrassing if you have to ask their names again and again.(Susan Erasmus Health24)

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