You know how it is. Early on in life you learn its importance. As you learn about job-hunting, its value again gains prominence. And now, as you are about to start at a new job, it reaches a critical state. What is it?

It is the impact of first impressions. In categorising people, we all take shortcuts, and first impressions about people often turn into long-term perceptions and reputations -- which are good for people who make positive first impressions (the halo effect), but bad for people who make negative first impressions.

'I think the early days are when your boss and colleagues form the most lasting impressions about you,' observes Ann Marie Russell, a program coordinator with AmeriCorps. 'This is when they make assessments about your 'typical' behaviour -- the 'type' of person you are. If you have any attendance/punctuality issues in the first few days or weeks, you've already lost a significant battle -- their confidence in you. People will take you as seriously as you seem to take yourself -- and your work,' says Russell, a 2001 psychology grad from the University of Massachusetts , Amherst .

And in the workplace, during those first few early days where you are meeting everyone -- and everyone is meeting you -- first impressions about you and your future potential can make a major impact on your future success with the organisation.

'You have to realise that first impressions are remembered,' says a 2001 general-business major, 'and even if you talk to someone who isn't related to your job . . . they may know someone who is. Watch what you say and do. Things can come back to haunt you.'

Not to worry, though; in most situations, employers don't expect you to knock their socks off or hit homeruns during those first few weeks. Most employers realize that there is a learning curve for most positions. So, there is often an unofficial grace period while you settle into your job.

How can you improve your chances for making a great first impression when you're starting a new job? Here are 10 tips -- along with some comments and suggestions from job-seekers who have been there -- to help you make a great impression.

Have a Positive Attitude
Nothing works better -- in all situations -- than having and expressing a positive attitude. Let your enthusiasm for being part of the team and the organisation show to everyone you interact with. And always leave non-work problems at home.

Dress Professionally/Blend in With Co-Workers
You should never underestimate the importance of dressing professionally in your new job. And in the beginning, even if your department has casual days, you should dress professionally because you never know when you'll be called out to meet a top manager or key client. ' Dress how you want people to perceive you because it plays a huge role in how you are initially treated, ' advises Desiree Devaney, a financial analyst with GE Capital Credit. ' Perfectly groomed means efficient and reliable in work; unkempt means disorganised and therefore difficult to trust with different assignments. After awhile, people realise these things do not necessarily correspond, but initially, your looks and dress are your representation to them. '

Show Your Team Spirit
You are now part of a work team, and teams work together to solve problems and get the job done. Show loyalty to your co-workers and focus more -- initially at least -- on sharing any recognition you get with the team. Always give credit to the team.

Learn Co-Workers' Names Quickly
No one expects you to have everyone's name down pat by the end of the first day or week, but if you are bad with names, now is the time to research some of the neat memory-aid tricks you can try to use. Certainly, as soon as possible, learn the names of every member of your team. And if you are in a situation in which you forget a person's name, the best solution is simply to apologise and ask the person's name again.

Ask Questions/Ask for Help
No one expects you to solve all the organisation's problems on your first days on the job -- nor that you know everything -- so, relax a bit, and always ask questions or ask for help when you need it. Remember that it's better to ask before you've completed the task the wrong way and wasted all that time. ' Be open-minded, ' suggests a 2000 English language and literature grad. ' I think when you are just starting out, it is easy to feel somewhat competitive; you may feel that you have something to prove. In effect, that kind of thinking will probably land you in the unemployment line again. Be co-operative, LISTEN, ask questions -- no one expects you to know everything -- and communicate openly with colleagues and supervisors. '

Take Notes/Go to Orientation
Unless you have a photographic memory -- and few of us do -- consider taking notes on all the various systems and rules of the organisation. And no matter how boring they may sound, attend all orientation sessions. Nothing gets old faster than someone repeatedly asking how something works; such behaviour shows a lack of attention to detail.

Be a Self-Starter; Take Initiative
In most situations, in your first days on the job, you will be given small doses of work -- to let you get your feet wet. As you finish assignments and are ready to handle a bigger workload, take the initiative and ask for more assignments. Whatever you do, don't just sit there waiting for your next project. Agrees Ali von Staudach, senior account executive for CNET Networks, ' Be proactive. Don't wait for an assignment. Stick up your hand and ask for something to do, ' advises von Staudach, a 1999 communication studies grad.

' Volunteer for things even though you don't know how to do it or what needs to be done to accomplish it, ' suggests Stephen Magennis, whose first job out of college was as a benefits analyst for Hewitt Associates, Orlando, FL. ' There will be people [who need] help, and they will appreciate your efforts to start making an immediate impact. Many times, there may be some tasks that you can accomplish with a little guidance, which will probably free up time for someone who needs to work on more important items, ' Magennis offers.

Discover Everything About Your New Employer
In theory, you should have already done your homework during the interviewing process, but there is always more to learn now that you are on the inside. ' Get an employee handbook ' exhorts a 2002 MBA grad with an information-technology concentration. ' Don't act or think you know more about everything than your peers. ' In addition, gather all those reports and company literature and read up and become an expert on your organisation.

Work Full Days
' Be on time, come in early, stay a little later, ' suggests von Staudach. ' Even though I have a 9 to 5 job, it has been expressed to my co-workers and me that our director expects us to be in at 8:30 and stay past 5 p.m. because it looks like we are go-getters and into our jobs. ' There's nothing that can affect your reputation faster than routinely coming into work late or leaving work early. Especially in these first days/weeks on the job, be sure you get to work early and leave no earlier than when the majority of your co-workers leave. A 2001 engineering grad adds, ' Be dedicated and flexible. Once you have established yourself, you can leave early, go out for lunch, shift your hours, or take work home with you. But in the beginning, be totally dedicated to being there all the time and picking up as much as you can possibly handle. '

Establish a Good Attendance Record
Just as with working full days, it's important to show up to work every day and establish a good attendance record. Yes, there will be emergencies, and yes, you may get sick, but as best you can, try to make it to work every day during those first weeks/months on the job.