Congrats on the new job. You get a clean slate, a chance to do everything right from the start, or at least get those embarrassing but necessary failures out of the way early.

It takes time to figure out the best way to get things done, and it takes the right attitude not to rut out and miss chances for promotion once you’ve carved a path for yourself in your role. Here are the four things to do from day one at your new gig.

1. Set goals for the first 90 days.

You were hired for a reason, and don’t forget you have to prove that you can deliver on that. Establish goals targeting the first 90 days. When people ask how things are going you can point to these goals and their challenges.

2. Arrive early.

The importance of this cannot be overstated. Be there and be seen there early. It’s going to take you more time to do things because you’re new. Looking haggard with a bottle of Gatorade will not set the right tone.

3. Get Involved.

It’s OK to look overeager when you’re the new guy or girl. Try to work with as many people as you can. Join clubs and try to become a part of the culture.

4. Ask Questions.

No one is going to explain everything to you. Most managers and co-workers will give you a task and let you figure it out. And the only way to figure it out is by asking as many questions as you can. The truth is people will be glad you did even if they seem pressed for the time at the moment. They’ll think back on it and what they’ll see is an eagerness and curiosity.

It’s a mixture of nervousness, fear and excitement of opportunity. Make the most of it. It’s better than life being boring. You were hired because you can add value, so don’t be passive but remember you’ll need to assimilate to the new place’s culture. Have fun and show em what you got.

About NextGen

NextGen is the brainchild of longtime telecom professionals with nearly 50 years of experience and millions of dollars in Telecom Recruiting Services. We focus on establishing long term relationships with our clients and candidates so we can recruit the best and the brightest in the telecom industry. This ‘quality over quantity’ approach is at the heart of everything we do and has resulted in successful job placements at Fortune 1000 firms worldwide.