Settling in to your new role

You’ve done it! You have got your dream job, well done you. Once the excitement of this subsides, you might start to worry or feel nervous about starting in your new role.

We spend the majority of our waking hours in work so it is a big change to move to a new environment with new people and possibly completely new responsibilities. What can you do to settle easily and quickly into your new role and reduce that nervousness?

In the days leading up to your start date, it is a good idea to:

• Refresh your knowledge on your new employer.
• Check out the website for any blog updates or news and see what is happening on social media so that when you start you are up to date on any activities.
• Make sure that you go over your job description and have a clear idea in your head of what is expected of you.
• Reach out to your new line manager or boss via email, just to confirm what time you are expected and find out if you need to bring anything apart from yourself.
• Ask if there is anything else you can read, prepare or do before starting.
• Let them know you are looking forward to working with them.

In your first week it can be very easy to remain quiet whilst you figure out the lay of land, but it is important that you do not come across as introverted. Introduce yourself to your new colleagues, say hi in the kitchen or when passing on the stairs and most importantly, learn how everyone in your immediate team takes their tea and coffee and get stuck into the rounds!

Don’t be afraid to listen to and take part in discussions going on around you, even if it is not work related and just about what was on TV last night. Office logistics are also important to work out, such as who buys the milk, who empties the dishwasher etc and get yourself on the rota. The best way to navigate all of these is to stick close to someone that has been working there for a long period already and who will be able to answer all of your questions.

When it comes to taking on your new role, there are several things you can do to make sure you can get stuck in right away:

• Set up regular meetings with your line manager, at least during your induction period, to set reasonable expectations.
• What are your goals? What does success look like? What training will be given and when? Your employer should indicate this to you when you start your new role but if it is not clear, it looks great that you have taken the initiative to clarify this with your boss.
• Make sure that you are organised – take notes of everything and keep a to-do list, either on paper or using any online task management software. Employers prize organised employees so it will be beneficial that you start this habit very early on in your new position.
• If your timetable allows for it, volunteer for group projects and attend events, this is a great opportunity to learn but also to share your own knowledge.
• Beware – After work drinks before you start or in your first few weeks often sound a good Idea as does the Christmas Party, if you start your new role in December. Whilst be sociable and engaging, moderation is key and even have a polite excuse not to be out all night.

Finally, update your social media accounts to reflect your new role, especially your LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. It is time to start being a brand ambassador for your new organisation, ensure that your feeds reflect this. If you haven’t already, now is the best time to ask your previous colleagues to leave great recommendations on your LinkedIn page.

The most important piece of advice to remember is to enjoy it! You have worked hard to achieve this new position and your new employer has hired you due to confidence in your abilities. You will soon settle in and progress in your new career.