Your first week at work
Your first few weeks in a job can be intimidating. With a few key pointers you should start to feel more comfortable in your surroundings and more familiar with your colleagues and the work.
Keeping positive
A new routine that is often more structured around a 9-5 type of job can be challenging at first. For most though it won’t take long to adapt. It is a good idea to get organised the night before, have a routine and get plenty of sleep. Try not to compare it to your last job and keep comparisons to yourself. It is a new opportunity with lots of possibilities.
Ask questions
As you learn about new processes, projects and people, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You need to get up to speed and people will expect it from the new person on the team. Also take down detailed notes about everything you learn, even if it seems simple. Your brain is going to be on overload this week and writing everything down will make sure you do not have to ask the same question twice.
Offer to help
There may be some freer time in your first few days so show a proactive approach and offer to help; maybe volunteer on a new project.
Accept help
If your colleagues offer help with a task, then take them up on it even if you are totally capable of handling things yourself. It is a great way to bond with your office mates, plus you may get valuable insight into the company’s expectations or a more efficient way to do the work you will be given.
Find a mentor
Some companies introduce you to a person who will help you navigate your first week. If you are not offered this then look around and see who the stars of the company are, maybe a graduate like yourself and pick their brains. Always be sensitive to their work demands as the time taken to support you is taken away from their tasks.
Keep your line manager informed
Throughout the week ask for meetings with your boss. This is better than asking questions every time you have a query. As well as getting direction on your work, you can update them on what you have been learning and who you have met.
Respect knowledge and experience
Workplaces are a mix of ages and experiences and as a new staff member it pays to listen to others who have been in the job for some time and learn from their experience. Showing that you have an opinion is good but make sure that it is balanced with a degree of modesty and respect.
Remote working
Remote working has become the norm and whether your job means you will be based at home all the time or you will be mixing it up with some trips to the workplace, it’s worth thinking through your approach. A few pointers will help you make the most of this set up.
Regular meetings
Most companies will have regular meetings throughout the week that you will attend. If you want more learning opportunities, then ask your manager and colleagues. They will be pleased that you feel comfortable to ask; do not sit fretting because you don’t understand what to do.
Hours
You can sometimes spend more hours working at home than in an office as there is no sense of people leaving to go home. Make sure you create a balance of working and home life so you do not burn out. If you work with colleagues in another country and where there is a significant amount of work time spent with your location, work out with your manager the hours that will be the most suitable for you and the team.
Social opportunities
If there are get togethers online then join in, whether it be quizzes or an online course. It is a great way to make friends and to see the more personal side of your colleagues, which can only be a benefit when you work with them on projects.