With the job market brimming with new opportunities and a new record of 1.3 million job vacancies as of May 2022, many workers are continuing to search for new roles. It was recently reported that one in five employees expect to change jobs in 2022 to achieve better pay and job satisfaction, and with that in mind, we’ve put together our top tips for anyone who is about to begin a new role below.
First day nerves
It’s completely natural to feel nervous before starting a new job – it’s a new environment with fresh faces and it’s all brand new. The best advice here is that everyone has been in your shoes, and everyone has survived it. Many candidates feel stressed about misjudging their situation, with thoughts like “should I have stayed where I was before?” or “what if the role isn’t as suited to me as I thought?”.
It’s important to remember that you started your job search for a reason – be it more flexibility, a pay rise or simply to move on – and that motivation has led you here. You applied for the role and were accepted by management; that’s two people who feel you fit in perfectly.
Everything will feel clunky at first as you settle into your new role and routine, but the likelihood that the above questions will fade is high. In a worst-case scenario, the job market is buoyant with opportunities aplenty and if something doesn’t seem to work for you, there are plenty more fish in the sea.
Plan your first week
Ease the first day anxieties by planning your week. You should plan your route in if you’re working in the office at any point, ideally doing a trial run to see how long it will take you, and from there you can factor in delays such as travel cancellations and running late.
If you’re working from home, ensure you have the necessary equipment from your new employer at least two working days before you start. You should also test the equipment – turn on your laptop or computer and use log-in details (if provided) to set it up. More often than not, a piece of technical equipment will install updates and additional software when you log-in and so turning on prior to your first day will save you time and ensure you can start promptly and on-time. Other equipment may include headsets, keyboards, and a mouse, and you should test those where possible.
It is also handy to know what exactly your first week will entail. Reaching out to your new manager for a rough schedule will highlight your organisational skills, while keeping you prepared.
Important introductions
When you begin your new role, you will be introduced to a host of new people – both members of your team and employees of the wider company. It is easier said than done but you should try to remember all names and greet everyone with a polite handshake. Showing you remember their name will make you appear professional, and you won’t be stuck when you next speak to them – saving potential embarrassment!
Don’t be afraid to take notes during this time – jotting down important processes, people you should know, and where to go to for what, will all help you settle in faster.
You’ll also be introduced to the company ethos – ensure your behaviour and attitude fits in with this. For example, one of Lorien’s values is to undergo continuous transformation – we are tech recruiters, so we expect our recruiters to recognise the latest trends and be mindful of what’s happening in the market. You will normally be informed of your company’s ethos or values before or during your first week so be sure to make a note of them.
Ask questions
As the saying goes; there is no such thing as a silly question, so you should ask members of your team, or ideally your manager, any questions you have relating to the role, the company or other general work queries.
Questions will convey your interest in your role and the business and may even spark an interesting conversation with your colleagues or your manager. Questions will also help you to perform better as you have a better understanding of what is expected of you. Many employees, both new and established, are reluctant to seek advice or ask questions, but research shows that 70% of managerial help is given to those who ask for it, and it can be hard for others to pick up when you are confused or require guidance.
Essentially, asking more questions will lead to a job well-done, so you should ask away.
Starting a new job is a momentous time in your life, and while nerves are perfectly natural, they’re also a good indicator that you are excited for what’s to come – so embrace them! If you’re still not completely certain of your next move though, know that the door to different opportunities is never fully closed, and we are always on hand to help guide you to a role where you truly belong.
And if you’re still on the job hunt? Don’t worry, we have hundreds of live opportunities with exciting clients that want to hire someone just like you! Check out our latest vacancies to find a role where you can fulfil your potential and apply today.