5 EXPERT TIPS FOR STARTING A NEW JOB

So firstly let’s be clear, most company’s HR department will have a solid new employee onboarding process in place so there is no need to panic. It is also likely that you new manager will also make a concerted effort to make you feel welcome, however there are certain things you can do to help ensure a successful first-week.

Remember first impressions count, it only happens once, and unfortunately that judgement can last a lifetime. A little prep work in advance can’t do any harm and also in following these simple tips you should hopefully start off you new job on the right foot.

“Relax, they already like you. It is completely normal to feel nervous before you start a new job. Remember that if the company didn’t wholeheartedly believe you were the right person, they wouldn’t have chosen you.”

Tip 1 – Do your research
Before you first day, we recommend you research the company, follow and read their social posts, this will help get a feel for the company culture. Have a look over Linkedin, and check out your colleagues Linkedin profiles, and research your company’s competitors. It might also be worth reaching out a few days before you start to your hiring manager and ask if there is anything they would like you to bring or prepare. 
 
We also recommend you test run everything. If you are office based then check your travel commute, if you are working from home, test your internet connection double check your computer software and any other equipment you will need for your new job.
Tip 2 – Make Contact with your new boss
Remember your new boss chose you and they will want you to succeed. A few days before you are due to start, drop them an email, demonstrate a desire to be proactive and prepared for your new role, find out from them if you need to bring or prepare anything special and try to understand what you might expect in your first week; its even worth asking what time is lunch and how it works.
 
Tip 3 – Dont be late and say hello
As mentioned in Tip 1, plan your route, make allowances for traffic, delated trains, getting lost and parking. So we recommend for the first week you should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than expected. You can grab a coffee and relax before heading in. Your arrival on day 1 is rarely a surprise to the rest of your colleagues, so make sure you introduce yourself, both in person and virtually. A team wide email is sometimes a good way to let your colleagues know who you are and what you do.
 
Tip 4 – Buddy Up and Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Remember you are the newbie, so there will always be that helpful person who will go out of their way to help you settle in (some larger companies also have a new starter mentor scheme) – ask them some of the mundane questions – Where do you put your coat? Is there a Coffee run? Remember they were the newbie once. Asking colleagues to point you in the right direction is a good conversation starter. You could introduce yourself to co-workers while making a hot drink. 
 
If you’re offered such or a drink in the pub then take it. It’s an opportunity to get to know your boss and socialise with the team in an informal way. However, if your boss isn’t there, make sure you get back to your desk within your allotted lunch time. And if you’re invited out in the evening or at the end of the week, show your personality but be careful not to drink too much. 
 
When you’re a new hire, you want to appear capable and confident to prove your value but don’t be afraid to ask questions—especially if you’re working remotely. It is incredibly rare for a Manager to get annoyed if a new employee asks for clarification on a task so to perform it better or correctly. Asking questions also enables you to strike up a conversation with your colleagues, according to research from Harvard University asking follow-up question can make people like you more.
 
Tip 5 – Meet with your manager one-to-one
Firstly ask your boss what’s the best way to communicate with them. Your boss may prefer an email or a call or their door may always be open. Asking this question shows you’re thoughtful about them, which is a plus. You can also ask them how best to communicate with your colleagues in other teams while you’re on the subject. 
 
A short meeting with your manager during week one is known to benefit new employees in both the short and the long run. Short-term it will help to ally any first-week jitters, however it is also proven that it will encourage your manager to spend more time collaborating with their team in the long run. It might also be worth dropping them a brief summary of your first week outlining what you have achieved.

If you considering a career change or looking to progress in a new role, then our team of consultants would love to talk, at a time that is convenient to you.