It's tough being the new guy or girl on the job, especially if it's your first. But that first gig, whether it's an after-school job or your first foray into the working world, can be a great breakthrough. Still, navigating the process is easier said than done, so we've outlined some in-the-know advice to help you ace the experience and come out smiling.

First off, learn about the company and position. Try to weigh the pros and cons of a job before you even apply. If it's a guaranteed misfit, don't waste a potential employer's time… or yours. Keep these pointers in mind:

• Location. The cost of fuel makes distance a factor.
• Relocation. Be sure to factor in the cost of living if the job entails relocating.
• Time commitment. Make sure you will be able to balance your job with other commitments (like school, family or another job).
• Perks. Almost all jobs have perks of some kind, from employee discounts to traveling for work.

Once you've secured an interview, start preparing:

• Practice answering some of the more common interview questions. Interviewingbasics.org lists a number of common questions you can practice with.
• Know what your strengths and weaknesses are, so you can present yourself in the best light possible. • First impressions can make or break your job chances. It's best to play it safe -- take out the piercings, cover any tattoos and dress professionally.
• Be confident. That means make eye contact, don't fidget, and let your interviewers finish questions before you start to answer.
• Ask questions. During the interview, display a firm grasp of what the job entails and ask informed questions to show you're interested.
• Send a note after the interview thanking them for their time and the opportunity to meet. This also gives you one more chance to slip in a word about yourself.

Do your best to make a solid impression. It's against the law for an employer to make a hiring decision based on your gender, race or religion. Visit workplacefairness.org for more info about discrimination.

Once offered the position, it's time to talk money. You've already done your homework and know what you're worth. If the company makes a good offer, graciously accept it. If not, politely counter and negotiate for something better. If you're not sure, it's okay to say you need some time to think about it.

The first day at work is like a first day at school. Take time to get acquainted with your coworkers, the working space and what you'll be doing. Be patient -- it will take a bit before you settle into a groove. Here are a few general questions that you might ask:

• "Where do I park?" Some employers prefer that you park in the outer spaces or in a separate lot to leave optimal parking for customers. It's best to just ask.
• "How do I use the phone?" This seems like a silly question, but many office phones are more complex than you'd think.
• "What should I do next?" Every job has a learning curve, and in asking this you'll not only come across as motivated, but also as confident and eager to be productive.

You'll likely have to take care of some typical paperwork on this first day. You might see some of these:

• Employee manuals outline company policies and procedures.
• W-4 forms determine the amount withheld from your paychecks for taxes.
• Applications for benefits can include information on health insurance or retirement options such as a 401(k). It usually takes a few months before benefits start to kick in.
• Confidentiality forms are sometimes required to make sure you don't share company info outside of work. You might also be asked to sign a copyright agreement that gives the company ownership over anything you create at work.

After you've settled into the new company culture and routine, there are still several things to keep in mind as you build your career:

• Follow the company dress code. Even if you work in a laidback establishment, dressing a little nicer doesn't hurt. Even your favorite NBA stars have been required since 2005 to dress "business casual" when involved in team or league business.
• Spend company time working, not blogging or checking social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace. According to a recent study by the American Management Association, 66 percent of employers monitor Internet connections. You should also monitor your online image -- don't assume inappropriate behavior posted online will go unnoticed.
• Manage your time to complete projects faster and better than your supervisor expects; just don't sacrifice quality for speed. If you really want to impress, take the initiative and propose to do things that haven't been requested of you.

You'll learn a lot at your first job, but there will come a time when a greater opportunity beckons or school calls you back to class. The key to quitting is to do it properly and gracefully.

• Draft a formal letter explaining your departure and clearly stating your last work day.
• Give at least two weeks notice or more if possible.
• Tell your supervisor first. You don't want him or her to find out through the grapevine.
• Ask your supervisor if it's okay to use him or her as a reference. Before leaving, be gracious and say goodbye to your coworkers.
• Say thank you!

Sources: interviewingbasics.org; nextstepmagazine.com; nba.com; allbusiness.com; nolo.com; wsj.com; amanet.org; about.com; bls.gov; cnn.com; careerbuilder.com