The first day in any new job is bound to bring a mixture of excitement and nervousness. However, just like a job interview, good preparation can be the key to ensure that your first days and weeks in a new role can be a success.
Be prepared
Make sure that you are familiar with the office dress code and that you know what your route to work will be and how long it will take you. Familiarise yourself with public transport
timetables or check out the best parking options. Depending on your new location, you may experience busier travel times at peak periods so leave yourself plenty of time to allow for any delays. The nerves may be jangling but try to get a good night sleep and leave plenty of time in the morning to get ready and eat breakfast.
First week challenges
From information overload to understanding the team dynamics, there will be a number of challenges that you are likely to face during your first few days. Try to learn the names of your new colleagues by making a note about who they are and what they do to jog your memory and whilst it’s good to reach out and start to build relationships, make sure that you avoid getting caught up in an office clique and participating in workplace gossip.
Share your experience
It’s natural that you will want to prove yourself early on however take some time to observe your new team members and understand what each of their roles involve and how your skills and experience could compliment what others can offer. Understandably you are likely to have some questions as you get up to speed with new procedures so don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice.
Build a relationship with your line manager
During your first week, make sure that you sit down with your line manager and establish lines of communication and reporting. Understand what is expected from you and agree some initial goals so you can both monitor your progress during the early weeks and months. If you are to be managing other members of the team, look to understand the dynamics and motivation within the department so you can set the right tone.
Probation period
It is likely that you will have a probation period when starting a new job and this is very useful to enable both employers and employees to establish if the role is right for all parties. It is important to not be worried about a probation period – seek ongoing feedback about your performance and if there are any areas which you should look to address and use the time positively to build relationships with your team and colleagues in other departments. If you do have any concerns, raise these as early as possible through the correct channels.
Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond CONTACT US today to discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.