Integrating into your New Job

Day one of your next career move in on the horizon. Starting a job can feel both exciting and overwhelming as you step into a new working environment and meet your new colleagues. It can take time to feel fully settled into your new surroundings as you get to know people, understanding processes and continuously learn on the job.

Here is a helpful guide to help you navigate your integration into your new job and making a positive first impression:

1) The Night Before

It is essential to know keys details prior to the first day, such as the start time, dress code and of course the commute to the office. The last thing you want to do is be late on your first day or go to the wrong place, that would be a less-than-ideal start!

As well as that, pack any essential items which maybe required on the first day. This could include anything like bank details, ID or any other documentation which HR would require as part of their onboarding process. It could be worth just checking in a couple of days before with your new employer to ensure you have everything they require.

2) Meeting the Team

Introducing yourself to your new colleagues can be a nerve-wrecking experience. You want to create a positive first impression, so just be yourself with confident body language. A first impression counts, and a friendly demeanour can go a long way in easing any nerves and start building relationships.

Listen and observe your new colleagues, as they will play an active role in ensuring your come up to speed and also help you integrate into the team.

3) Training & Tutorials

As part of your integration, an element of training or demonstrates will inevitably take place. It is a crucial part of the integration as it will provide you with a working representation of your new job role.

Taking notes and learnings is the purpose of any training provided so you can apply it to your everyday role and give you every chance of success.

4) Don’t be afraid to ask

Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you’re unsure about something. Asking relevant questions shows curiosity and demonstrates and eagerness to learn.

Offer to support and take the initiative in areas where you are comfortable, but don’t overstep and overpromise by taking on tasks you don’t understand. Try to strike a balance of showing enthusiasm but also being realistic about your skillset.

5) Getting up to Speed with Processes

It is common for different businesses to have different systems, software’s and processes in place. Some of your skillset and knowledge maybe transferable, however it can take time for new employees to fully get up to speed with how their new employer operates.

As mentioned in the last point, people are there to help to asking your new colleague questions is a vital part of coming up to speed. At the end of the day, everyone involved wants it to be a success.

6) Reflection

Your first day may feel like a whirlwind, but by taking a moment to pause and reflect can give you a clear headspace to begin understanding what went well and acknowledging any challenges.

Perhaps you had a great conversation with your new manager, or you are grasping new processes quickly. On the other hand, you may feel uncertain or struggled on some areas, so addressing these areas early can allow for you to put more focus on these areas to improve.

7) Probation & Feedback

As with any new job, you’ll be initially in a probation period. During this time, your manager will be ensuring your performance is as expected and advising where necessary. As well as that, attaining their feedback in any assignments is a good way to constantly ensure you are performing as expected and also attain any guidance that you may require.

Concluding thoughts…

Is it going to be a mixture of excitement and nerves ahead of your first day, it is a natural feeling. By showing a positive, proactive and engaging attitude will set you up for every success. Any integration into a new job takes time, you’ll gain lots of new experience, learnings and ways of working so embrace your new workplace, colleagues and ways of working. Everyone is wanting your new job to be a success and will help to facilitate the integration.