Starting a new job remotely

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I’m starting a new job next week and aside from my induction, I’m going to be WFH for at least the first couple of months.

It’s my first foray into a more senior role, so I already feel quite nervous. It will be so strange not being able to quickly ask questions and getting to know people in the office. To make things more complex I’m moving into a completely new industry too!

Has anyone started a new job remotely? I’d love some advice and tips if you have any!

Bump

Me! Just after Christmas. I went into the office supposedly just to pick up my laptop etc, but it wasn’t ready so I was there all week. There was hardly anyone in the office though.

It has been a lot better than I thought it would be. Everyone is used to remote working now, so they have ways of keeping connected. We do a lot of video calling/online meetings. I’m sure you’ll be fine. Congratulations on your new job!

I don’t have many tips, except don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure they tell you how you can ask questions- who to ask, and where. You should be having more frequent contact with a senior person than you’d usually expect in a new job. If they don’t suggest it, that might be a good thing to ask for. But you’ll probably find they’ve already got that all sussed out.?

Me! I've never been into the office (and won't, unless I want to, as I was recruited as a WFH employee), but I've built a good rapport with my team over Teams.

It can sometimes be tricky to get questions answered, but I'll just ring somebody if nobody answers an urgent question in 5-10 minutes or so in the team chat.

Thanks both! Yes it’s asking questions that I’m most worried about, it’s just so natural to ask 101 questions when you start a new job. My new manager seems great, but it also sounds like he’s really busy a lot of the time so I’ll have to find a few people who can answer questions when needed.

It’s also the first time in 8 years that I’m starting somewhere new, so it’s especially nerve wracking

I started a job in between lockdowns, plus I inducted a new staff member during lockdown.

I think what helps is scheduling lots of catch ups with your colleagues during your first few weeks. Keep a note of any questions you may have so you can ask them together.

Don't forget to ask for a proper on site induction for when you are back in the office.

Have had three new starters in my team during the pandemic, made sure they all have 1:1’s with their immediate line managers. Weekly to start with and then reducing as they settle in. They’ve also arranged a new starter group with other new colleagues elsewhere in the service. They’ve invited other managers to these to talk about their areas to get to know names/faces and all the work that goes on. Is there anyone else that’s started in the pandemic, could you set something like that up?

Thanks @purpledagger, I’ve been told I’ll have a catch up with the whole team on my second day, followed by some 121 calls and I have noted down a few questions to ask people.

And thanks @Rshard, my own manager only started last year during lockdown, so he seems to understand how daunting it is! That’s a good idea to put something together for new starters, I think it sounds like there will be more new staff joining over the next few weeks.

I really enjoyed my old job (moving for progression) and I was really good friends with some of my colleagues. I know all workplaces are different, but I’m really hoping to be able to form some sort of social connection with a couple of people, even if it is remotely!