You’ve made it through the interview stage, and now it’s time to get to business. A new job is always exciting, whether it’s your first one or you have years of experience under your belt. There are new people to meet, new tasks to master and new challenges to face.
That said, with so many new things to get to grips with, that new job excitement may be mixed up with a few nerves. And, if you’re preparing to start your new role virtually, there are some extra tips you’ll need to take note of to make sure that the first week goes off without a hitch. We’ve put together a guide to help prepare you for your first week and ensure you hit the ground running.
Prepare things you may need
Many tools will be provided on the job, but it’s always worth checking to see if there’s anything you can do in advance. If you’re starting your new job virtually, you might want to get to grips with the technology and software you’ll be using. Be ready to get straight into the onboarding process and ask your manager what you can get set up on your laptop or computer.
If your onboarding process isn’t virtual, there are a few different things you’ll want to prepare. Take a notebook and pen, some nourishing food to see you through the day, and consider taking your passport along with banking details in case your new employer needs to verify anything. They might not be necessary, but if you turn up ready to produce them, you’re off to a good start in your manager’s eyes.
Showcase your enthusiasm
A new job can be exhilarating, especially if this a field you’ve wanted to enter for a long time. It’s time to put those career resolutions into action and show your new employer that you’re geared up and ready to go. So don't hold back on the enthusiasm for your new role and industry.
Absorb everything
As a new hire, the first week is less about the work and more about introducing you to the company, its people and its values. Take this time to focus on absorbing everything that you can. During your induction process, set the right tone by actively listening to your mentors and taking notes which will help you retain this new information. You’ve got the opportunity to ask for more details about the company and take insight from your manager, so make the most of it.
Be friendly
80% of people admit that they get a case of nerves before they start a new job, and that’s okay. Nerves show that you care and want to make a good impression. What you can’t afford to do is let them stop you from being your friendly self. Make an effort to speak to everyone you come across, even if they’re not an immediate co-worker or manager. Take opportunities to build positive working relationships and even friendships, as these can lead to a higher productivity rate and a happier workplace experience.
If you’re starting a new job remotely, send an announcement to introduce yourself and welcome people to drop you a message or arrange a call. Don’t be afraid to suggest virtual coffee meetings with your new colleagues and let them know you’d like to hear more about their role in the company.
Integrate with the company culture
Try to show your understanding of the company culture by demonstrating their values in your actions. Do they show a commitment to wellbeing? Then be an advocate in the workplace. You can do this both in-person and virtually. If you’re working face-to-face with your new colleagues, initiate conversations about mental health. If your onboarding process is virtual, you can still start these conversations and share wellbeing resources.
Make your next career move with Travis Perkins
Whether you’ve got your new job lined up already or you’re thinking about taking on your next challenges, this ultimate guide is everything you need to have a great first week.
At Travis Perkins, we’re building better, together. We have a range of roles across different businesses and levels, from sales assistants to kitchen designers. So if you're ready to make your next career move, view our latest branch, store and showroom jobs, driver jobs or browse our other categories to find the job that’s right for you.
