How do you make sure that you'll be successful at your new job or internship? How can you meet and exceed your new employer's expectations? Developing good work habits ensures that you will do well even on a bad day. Even if your current job or internship is not a perfect fit, it can provide experience, insight and a means to develop valuable skills. Good performance in your current job is a key step in securing the job you want as your success can lead to promotions, raises, bonuses and good evaluations or letters of recommendation.

These tips will help you put your best foot forward.

Be Punctual

Although you may not consider being five minutes late a serious problem, employers often view punctuality as a litmus test. Tardiness is a sign of not taking your job seriously and not respecting the value of others' time.

Be Efficient

Pay attention. Become familiar with your surroundings and co-workers. Be aware of the tasks and responsibilities within your job description. In addition to your boss, who else do you work for and with? Write up a to-do list, and prioritize your duties according to ongoing tasks and one-time projects. Then, if you find yourself caught up and without an assignment, you can show initiative by tackling a related task. Take pride in your work. Work on a task until you are willing to sign your name to it.

Be Positive

Everyone has bad days, but you should not let personal problems affect your work. If a project overwhelms you, break it into smaller pieces. Starting is the hardest part, so set small goals and reward yourself after you complete them. For example, "When I am done filing these papers, I can take a five-minute break." Do the best you can at any task—no matter how menial you may feel it is—and once you are engaged, you'll want to finish. Don't let tasks pile up because they bore you or you dread them. Just get each job done, and be sure to recognize the sense of accomplishment as you complete each piece.

Be Responsible and Admit Mistakes

Each employer will have individualized expectations; ask your boss what you are expected to do. Strive for effective communication. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most employers prefer questions to assumptions, misunderstandings and mistakes. If you do something wrong, take accountability. Your employer will respect your responsibility. Find ways to ensure that a similar problem won't happen again. Trying to blame others will always reflect badly on you.

Be Respectful

Regardless of your skills and abilities, no one will work with you if they feel threatened or insulted. Don't be judgmental if your employer or co-workers don't have your skills; you were probably hired because of them. The golden rule is invaluable in the workplace. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. By being helpful and supportive of your co-workers, you in turn can enlist their help, trust and enthusiasm, and that will make your job much more fun and rewarding.