A new job is often daunting. Anxiety can often be through the roof, but remember they offered the role to YOU out of all of the candidates they interviewed. So, try not to worry too much!
Here a few tips for the days leading up to and after “D Day.”
Leading up to the first day of your new job
Confirm all the details.
Confirm you know all the finer details. It may sound obvious, but check the start date, start time, office address. Do a dummy run in the traffic so you know how long it takes. Don’t be late on your first day of your new job!
Check your new company’s website.
Check the website and the news section to see if anything has happened since your job offer and during your notice period. This will show you are interested, and mention anything you read to your line manager if appropriate.
See if the team has changed during the time as well. Another new person may be a good mentor.
Update your LinkedIn.
Update your LinkedIn saying how much you’re looking forward to starting your new role and where you are going. Also, interact with posts and updates shared by your new employer.
Sort your workwear!
Ask your new employer about their dress code and pick your outfit for your first day in advance. Make sure you feel comfortable, it is clean and in line with any dress policy at your new firm.
Get organised.
Get everything organised in advance of starting your new job. Ensure all home areas are organised – pets, childcare, etc. Also, plan ahead for your first week. Organise your lunches, outfits, etc… So, there is less for you to worry about in the first week of your new job.
Get plenty of rest the night before.
Get an early night and don’t have too many wines. Do something you enjoy, to distract you from any nerves and put you in a good mindset for the next day.
Tips for the first couple of weeks of your new job
Show your enthusiasm.
Be enthusiastic, friendly and super positive when you meet new people. Remember you will probably be seeing your new colleagues more than your spouses!
Be observant.
Pay attention to your surroundings – where the bathrooms, kitchens and different departments are. Also, do your best to remember names. However, don’t worry if you can’t. People won’t be offended as they were once the new starter trying to remember everyone’s names. Just apologise and ask them to repeat their name.
Ask questions.
Have some questions ready to ask and ask at the right time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even when you are weeks into your new job. As asking questions is one of the best and fastest ways to learn. Often, there are new procedures and systems to learn when starting a new job, and as a result, your colleagues will expect some questions.
Make the most of your lunch breaks.
For your first couple of weeks, try to take a pack lunch or make use of any on-site catering facilities. This will allow you to spend time with your new colleagues and to get to know them. It allows you to start conversations with people in other departments.
Observe the company culture.
Observe the cultures in the office, if applicable. However, don’t get involved in any politics or gossip.
Avoid common mistakes in a new job.
Avoid common mistakes that some people make when starting a new job. These include failing to ask questions. Talking too much in general but especially about your old firm. Badmouthing previous colleagues. Additionally, keeping yourself to yourself.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Make sure you ask for help if you need guidance. Asking for help when you start a new job is a positive reflection on you. As it shows you are being honest and pro-active. You don’t have to sit there in silence trying to figure out new systems or working methods. Your colleagues will be expecting that some things will be new to you, as every company have different ways of working.
Show willingness.
Show that you’re willing to work. Don’t be the last to arrive and first to leave. In addition, think of ways you can add value to your work and team. However, if there is something you would like to change, don’t suggest it too many times.
Most importantly, enjoy.
Enjoy beginning a new chapter in your career. A new job is exciting times, new adventures and new learnings.
About Us
Here at the Eventus Recruitment Group we keep in touch with both the client and the candidate to ensure both parties are still happy with their decision for the first few months, and if not we are there to handle and manage any initial issues independently for both. However, we find that this is very rare. As we always take time to thoroughly get to know our clients and candidates. Moreover, we will only place a professional into a firm if we are confident that it is the right firm and job for the candidate. Also, equally as important that you are right for the firm.
When you ask us to aid your job search you can be confident that you will receive support at each stage of the recruitment process and that we will connect with the right employers for you.
Written by Siobhan Courtney, Managing Director of the Eventus Recruitment Group. Siobhan is a legal recruitment specialist covering London, Home Counties and Ireland.