Starting a new job is exciting but can be daunting. Trying to retain everything from the get-go is virtually impossible but remembering certain things will help ease you in faster. By focusing on the little things early on it will enable you to build relationships, get to know the company culture and avoid any unnecessary mistakes.
To make the best first impression, whether you're starting your job remotely or in the office, simply follow these 5 simple tips to settling into a new job fast.
5 simple tips to settle into a new office job fast
Learn all the crucial first names
You won’t remember everyone’s name right away. Instead, focus on getting your direct team right, and then anyone else you’ll be working with closely. Once you have these you can start to learn the rest.
This will help you build relationships and will be useful when you need a dig out from ‘John’ in Accounts or ‘Emma’ in HR.
Finally, make sure you’re familiar with the names and faces of the leadership team. The last thing you want is to ask the CEO for their name in your first week.
Remote working tip: make the most of working from home and jot down a list of all the must-know names so you don't have to panic when you can't think on a call.
Get to know the office lingo
Every company has its own terminology which can be a little confusing for new recruits. For example, new employees in Google are referred to as “Nooglers” while in our office our internal chat platform is “the Hub.”
Familiarise yourself with the company “language” and if you don’t understand something just ask, now is the time before you bypass the newbie phase.
Remote working tip: lots of companies will have a Slack channel or internal resource with this kind of information. During your first week have a root around or ask a colleague.
How to book a meeting room
While booking a meeting might seem basic, some companies have quite complex calendar systems. During your first week ask a colleague to show you the ropes and if there are any protocols.
If you’re working in a smaller office with no booking system, ask your team where meetings are held and how to reserve a time slot.
Remote working tip: unfamiliar with the platform your new employers uses? This will likely be covered in training, but if not this is a good question to ask within the first few days.
Confirm your KPIs
If you’re in any way unsure of how your work will be measured ask now. Clarify any policies you’re unsure of, such as flexibility or annual leave, and the basics such as how you are expected to report on your output.
You should also ask your manager how they’d prefer you to communicate. Does she/he prefer you to swing by their desk or do they prefer email?
It’s little things like this that will help you settle into your job fast.
Remote working tip: likewise if you're working remotely ask your manager and colleagues how they like to be contacted.
What’s the norm with lunch?
The canteen is often where you really experience a company’s culture and every office kitchen has its own official or unofficial rules.
Is there an allocated lunchtime? Is the milk in the fridge free for taking? Is there a microwave system? Are there any special local discounts? Eat with your team in the early days and you’ll pick all these things up fast.
Remote working tip: some companies ask employees to set a certain status on MS Teams or the platform they use to show they're on lunch or a break. Check any remote working lunch and break guidelines when you start to avoid any faux pas.
Tick off all these things in your first week or two and it’ll help you start to integrate you into your new office culture smoothly.
The first few weeks are the time to learn so never be afraid to ask. Still feeling a bit unsure in your role? Our ‘what to do during the first 30 days of a new job’ infographic should help.
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