If you’re starting a new job at the beginning of 2007, you might be wondering what you can do to ensure that you get off to a good start.   First of all, know that you don’t have to wait until your first day to make a great first impression.  In fact, your efforts can begin as soon as you accept your offer. 

Your first step is to contact the person who will be your immediate supervisor, especially if you didn’t interview with her at all or haven’t spoken to her in a while.  Send an e-mail letting her know that you’re looking forward to your first day, and ask her if she has any materials you can review that will better prepare you to hit the ground running.  Do a Google search to see if your company’s been in the news lately, and if what you find is at all relevant, drop in a line or two to show that you’ve been keeping up. 

Read over – carefully – any materials your boss sends your way.  Know the basic jist of what’s in the packet in case you get called on it later, and supplement your rudimentary knowledge of your new company and position by spending some time on the organization’s Web site.   If your new manager mentions any important team meetings or conference calls that will take place before your first day, volunteer to join them via phone.  Your new colleagues will be impressed to see you there before you’re on the company’s clock, and everyone on the team will be looking forward to your start date.