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Whether you've just graduated and landed your first job or you're changing from one employer to another, there's one experience that everyone at a new job has in common: the dread of making a good first impression. How well you do in your first week at a new company can tell you a lot about how much you'll like working there, and it tells the rest of your coworkers a lot about what you can contribute to the office.

To show off your best side in your new job, consider these simple tips.

1. Do your research and prepare in advance. Thanks to the Internet, it's easy to look up information on just about any employer or company. Spend some time going over the company website and any social media pages they have. Find out what's in their latest press release or blog post. Get to know their customer relations, their chain of command, and their product line. The more well-versed you are about your new employer, the better you'll fit in.

2. Be early or on time. Being late in a new job doesn't breed confidence. Showing up on time or even half an hour early demonstrates that you're eager to work for your new employer and that you're reliable.

3. Introduce yourself and speak with confidence. If you're willing to dress for success, then that same confidence should appear in how you interact with new coworkers and supervisors. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to other employees, especially if you want to build trust and start networking on major assignments. It's better that your new coworkers see and remember you as the friendly new guy rather than the new hire whom no one's ever spoken to.

4. Take notes and ask questions. There's a grace period for new employees to ask plenty of questions when it comes to learning how the company works and what's expected of them. Use these questions to develop your understanding of your new workplace. Don't forget to take notes and to reference them as you continue working. This way, you can spare your colleagues the hassle of having to keep asking them the same questions.

5. Organize your work. It says a lot about a new employee when they're ready to go to work on Day One and can manage their new assignments each week. Invest in a good calendar and a to-do list or personal organizer. You'll also feel less overwhelmed in your new job if you can find the time to sort out all the tasks handed down by your supervisor and manage your day effectively.

Image by Sarah Ackerman on Flickr