Like many people, David Levine* believes that first impressions are lasting impressions. So when he started a new job as fund-raising director for a non-profit organization in Atlanta last year, he arrived early and stayed late. He wore appropriate business attire and told appropriate jokes. He tried to get along with everyone, even though it occasionally meant withholding his ideas for software purchases or marketing campaigns if he thought his boss wouldn't embrace them. And before he started advocating for change, he learned the nuances of the community, as well as the history and culture of the organization.

"I've seen many new colleagues over the years push strongly to get their way, only to see them get mired in conflict, lose allies or get fired," says Levine, 40, who'd held a similar position at another non-profit. "By keeping my powder dry, I found that many of my ideas were accepted. The hammer I used in my previous job isn't necessarily the screwdriver that's needed here. "

Back to work
As the economy rebounds, a growing number of Americans are returning to the workforce this fall. (The jobless rate has dropped to 5.5 percent--nearly the lowest it has been in three years--according to the U.S. Labor Department.) New hires face myriad challenges, and career experts say that they'd be wise to follow Levine's textbook-perfect strategy.

Whether you're a downsized executive entering a new industry, a recent college grad starting a first job, a stay-at-home mother returning to the workforce, or a mid-career professional switching companies, all new employees are under pressure to understand the corporate culture, master the job content quickly, and win acceptance.

"The way you act during the first week will set the tone for your tenure at the company, because the cliche about never getting a second chance to make a first impression is true," says E. Thomas Gimbel, CEO of The LaSalle Network, a staffing and recruiting firm in Chicago. "It's not unlike creating a good first impression in your personal life--be it dating or making friends in a new neighborhood. You've got high visibility, and it's important to make it work to your advantage."

Claire Berger, president of FunnyWorks, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm that specializes in using humor in business, agrees: "If it's the right thing to do or say in a new social setting, it's the right thing to do or say
in a new workplace."

One of the biggest minefields for missteps involves dealing with coworkers. "People are always a little suspicious of a newcomer, and they will try to get revenge if you act like a know-it-all or a bully," says Susan RoAne, author of the audiobook RoAne's Rules: How to Make the RIGHT Impression and a San Francisco-based communications expert. "But they will be helpful if you listen well, engage in easy-going conversation about non-controversial subjects and ask questions about projects."

In an effort to cultivate allies, new hires need to be careful not to disclose too much personal information--information that could be misinterpreted, remembered and perhaps even held against you. It's better to listen more than you talk, experts agree.

That philosophy has worked for Karen Myers*, a 38-year-old literature professor at a private university in Boston. "When I started this job last year, I invited colleagues to meet for lunch and coffee, but I didn't talk much about myself," she explains. "I wasn't so reticent that they thought I couldn't be trusted or that I was a
dishrag. But I didn't answer every question, either. Sometimes, it's best to smile, raise an eyebrow and say nothing."

Making a smooth transition
Of course, there's nothing like stellar work to create a professional reputation. But during the first week in a new job--the very time when opinions about you are being formed--you'll be too busy learning the computer system to hit a grand slam. As a result, you'll be judged on your demeanor and communication style.

Corri Fetman, president of Chicago Women at Law, Ltd., a firm that specializes in family law, keeps a watchful eye on new employees' interpersonal skills. "Once I'm turned off by someone's tardiness, obstinance, poor work ethic or attitude, it's virtually impossible for that person to impress me later on," she says.

To increase the likelihood of making a good first impression, follow these 10 strategies.

Dress for respect. You can't go wrong with classic business attire--even if the company practices business casual. "If you over-dress, people will think you're professional," RoAne says. "But if you under-dress, people will think you're a slob." Over-dress for the first week, see what passes for "casual," and then adjust
to the corporate dress code. "But never dress at the lowest level," Gimbel cautions. "If employees wear jeans and khakis, wear khakis. If they wear Docksiders and loafers, wear loafers. Always err on the side of being
conservative."

Take notes. Unless you have a perfect memory, you probably won't remember all the information you're receiving about work processes. John Ryan*, 45, the new membership-services coordinator for a non-profit organization in Washington, D.C., kept a legal pad by his side during his first month at work so he could record procedural directions on everything from how to file daily reports to how to re-route paperwork. As a result, Ryan didn't need to ask his boss or coworkers to explain anything twice. "It shows that I pay attention, follow instructions and do things right the first time," he says.

Use humor wisely. "Some employees poke fun at their coworkers; others tell sexual or ethnic jokes; and still others make self-deprecating remarks, such as, 'I'm always late,'" says Berger, author of Funny Works! 52 Ways to Have More Fun at Work (www.funnyworks.com). "Don't go there--ever. Negative comments about other people or yourself aren't funny."

Keep comments neutral. It's okay to mention that you have children, but don't brag about them. It's also okay to explain that a certain procedure was effective at your former company, but don't call it "better" than the one being used in your new company. And while it's fine to say that you hope to advance your career, don't spell out your five-year plan. As Berger cautions, "In communicating a sense of ambition, be careful not to insult your peers. You don't want to give the impression that you're a backstabber who's out for their job--or that they're beneath you."

Turn off your cell phone. "I once had an employee who spent four hours on her cell phone during her first day here," Fetman recalls. "When I confronted her, she acted like she'd done nothing wrong. But, of course, she had. Personal matters are to be left at the door when you enter the office." Indeed, if you chat on your cell
phone, you'll send the message that work isn't your top priority. Ditto for using the Internet to check or send personal e-mail.

Reach out to coworkers. If you wait for invitations to lunch, you could eat at your desk indefinitely. The old-timers have routines and friends, and even if they want to get to know you, it's probably low on their priority list. So make the first move, but don't take it personally if they decline. "Some people like to feel powerful by snubbing their coworkers," Myers says. "I learned as much from the people who didn't interact with me as I did from those who accepted my invitations."

Be courteous. "As adults, we often forget to mind our manners, and we blame it on the fact that we're too busy to be polite," RoAne says. "No one should ever be too busy to say 'please' and 'thank you.' You'll be remembered in a positive light if you do."

Seek assistance. "Some people mistakenly believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but it shows that you're responsible and can communicate," Gimbel says. "If you're unsure how to do something, don't charge ahead alone and risk doing it wrong. Get your manager's guidance." And if you do make a mistake? Come clean--fast: "I respect someone who owns up to the mistake, rather than placing unwarranted blame on someone else," Fetman says. "Everyone makes mistakes, so apologize and promise that it won't happen again."

Be positive. "Negative energy is toxic--and no one likes to be around it," Berger warns. "You'll be labeled as a whiner, complainer or downer, and those labels are the toughest first impression to live down."

Show that you're a team player. If your company is sponsoring a walk-a-thon for a local charity, organizing a bowling team, or seeking volunteers to plan a holiday party, sign up to participate. As RoAne explains, "First, it shows that you want to be part of the group, and it boosts your visibility in the office. Second,
it enables you to demonstrate skills that you don't necessarily use on-the-job. Third, it allows you to meet people from other departments--some of whom you may need to work with later on to complete a project."

As for David Levine, his strategy paid off: In less than a year on the job, he received a promotion and a salary increase. But Levine hasn't changed his approach. "Even though I've been here for some time," he says, "I still strive to make a good impression every day."

* Names and locations have been changed.

Freelancer Cynthia Hanson has written about career strategy for numerous publications. She plans to follow her own advice the next time she picks up a new client.