Starting new job - tips please!

[Rainydays55]

I start a new job in a few weeks. After nearly 10 years in my current job I’m already nervous.
Any tips for the first few days in new job but also this inbetween period of working my notice?
Thank you in advance!

The most annoying new recruits are people who think that it’s a process of give and take. The new recruit needs to fit in with the existing systems in the new company not at all the other way round!
The most bloody annoying new colleague kept talking about how they did things (better) in her last company- a bit like Mrs Elton in ‘Emma’ going on about Hazel Grove.
I guess working your notice you just need to be conscientious about passing on information and leaving things in good order.

Oh and Congratulations on your new job!

@QueBarbaridad

The most annoying new recruits are people who think that it’s a process of give and take. The new recruit needs to fit in with the existing systems in the new company not at all the other way round! The most bloody annoying new colleague kept talking about how they did things (better) in her last company- a bit like Mrs Elton in ‘Emma’ going on about Hazel Grove. I guess working your notice you just need to be conscientious about passing on information and leaving things in good order.

Depends what the role is. If you are a manager you are often brought in to improve systems.

What are you worried about OP? A few more details would help.

In person or wfh?

Keep a little notebook and pen on you so you can jot down any useful information.

@QueBarbaridad

The most annoying new recruits are people who think that it’s a process of give and take. The new recruit needs to fit in with the existing systems in the new company not at all the other way round! The most bloody annoying new colleague kept talking about how they did things (better) in her last company- a bit like Mrs Elton in ‘Emma’ going on about Hazel Grove. I guess working your notice you just need to be conscientious about passing on information and leaving things in good order.

I disagree with this, getting a new perspective can be invaluable in identifying improvements.

I would say listen and learn, take notes so you don't need to ask the same question over and over, figure out who the subject matter experts are, ensure you understand the expectations and any KPIs you will need to work towards.

Once you have a good understanding of the existing processes, and do check that understanding by asking for feedback to make sure you pick up on any errors you are making early, then you can make suggestions of any areas you see that could be improved.

I totally disagree with "shut up and fit in". You have a short time where you have a new fresh opinion and insights to offer before you get assimilated, it's invaluable.

My advice would be, be prepared to feel like you've made a huge mistake in your first few weeks, but keep going through that wobble.

I think I’m just super scared of the change because I’ve been with the same company for so long. I want to try and make sure my nerves don’t get the better of me. It is going to be a hybrid role.

Why don't you write a bullet point list of your previous successes or problem's you solved (including some from more than 10 years ago or from your personal life), stick them to the mirror and have a look every morning and evening?

They wouldn't have hired you if they didn't think you could do it.

Thats a good idea @Phineyj thank you

Write down everything, in a nice new notepad. Literally everything even if its common sense as you will get lots of info thrown at you
Good luck!

Don’t send an email to someone you don’t know, when you could make personal contact. Obviously, in an office you could do this face to face, but now you might need to do it by phone. Ring them and say something like “ Hello, my name is Jane, I’m the new recruit in James’ old role, I just wanted to introduce myself and ask you about xxxxx…..”. Then follow up with an email.

Making good strong connections early on is key. Whenever I start a new job, I identify in the first couple of weeks the key people around my level across different teams. I ask to get to know them by putting a 15 minute coffee meeting in their diary and use it to ask them about their role/department and how we can work together more effectively.

Also agree with listening and writing everything down. The people in my team who I rate most highly are the ones who don’t talk all the time but when they do, you know it’s something worthwhile coming out of their mouth.

Say ‘we’ rather than ‘you’ (where appropriate).

I could have written this OP, i leave my current role on Friday and start my new job at the beginning of February.
I've worked for the same employer for 20 years....im excited for the new job but as im about to start my last week the nerves and self doubts are kicking in. Ive already had to say my goodbyes to someone ive known for over 10 years - and i burst into tears....complete over reaction! I think reality is setting in.
During my time off im refreshing my work wardrobe and doing a dummy run to my new job....then taking the opportuinty to relax if I can.
Congratulations on your new job !

Gather anything you think will help.m while your memory is fresh.

Don’t tag on to the first person, they are usually the gossips!

Be friendly. Step up and help when there’s a lag and smile, a lot!

I have started two new jobs in the last 3 years.
Smile and be friendly to everyone obviously. Make good eye contact. Don’t be shy about admitting you’re nervous, everyone is.
Get yourself a notebook to make lists of logins, passwords hints etc etc. Also make a list of things you need in terms of training, systems access etc etc.
Share your knowledge and thank others for sharing theirs with you.

Good luck!

I’m also worried about crying saying bye to people and leaving my current job @Ilikewinter 🙈!

I started a new job recently after 10 years. Here's my thoughts:

1. You have to concentrate SO hard in the early weeks because there's a steep learning curve. Expected to feel tired at the end of the day. Do what you can to make the home routine easier for the first few weeks - e.g. have leftovers in the freezers, factor some chill-out time into your evening and weekends.

2. It is a labour-intensive business for existing staff to train up new people - especially if they are grappling with deadlines etc themselves. Thank new colleagues for their time and efforts in supporting your onboarding and development

3. Is there any swotting you can do beforehand to help you ease in? eg maybe reading any relevant documentation available on the company website to build your background knowledge? Or if you know the company are big fans of a particular software application - Slack, Miro, Trello etc, can you familiarise yourself with it?

4. Work hard at remembering people's names and how they like their tea!

5. If you have an unfamiliar commute - try a 'dummy run' beforehand. At the same time of day. To learn the route and see what the traffic is like.

6. Be humble and willing to learn, but also recognise what you bring to the table. They choose you, so clearly you have skills or qualities you value.

7. Finally - a new jacket, manicure or handbag does wonders for a girl's confidence 😉 You deserve it!

Good luck.

Thank you everyone. For those of you who have left a job after being there for a few years did you find it a hard decision? Quite emotional even though it was positive if that makes sense?!

I recently started a new role after nearly 10 years at my previous company. Although I’m not a particularly emotional person, I was in tears most of my final day. I did question if I was making the right decision before handing in my notice and during my notice period but I would just try and think of the reasons I decided to make the move and focus on them. Do everything you can to leave on good terms even if it means biting your tongue a bit. I’m a few months into my new role and I am so glad I’ve taken this opportunity!

@Rainydays55

Thank you everyone. For those of you who have left a job after being there for a few years did you find it a hard decision? Quite emotional even though it was positive if that makes sense?!

I started a new job this year after eight years and that's why my comment up thread was "be ready for a wobble in your first few weeks at the new job" - I felt homesick at first! It blew over quickly though and was definitely the right move.

Thank you - yes I’m expecting to feel ‘homesick ‘ for a while, I just hope I feel I’ve made the right move, I’m scared I ll regret it and hate it or something. It feels really daunting after being with one company for so long.

I started a new role a couple of months ago after 16 years - I had a great team but had lost confidence in the business and didnt like the direction it was going in. Moving is the best ting I've done, most of y previous team are also now working their notices.

Onboarding when WFH was weird - I have still only met two people f2f.

If you're not sure you should do something, don't. You need to adapt yourself to the new company's requirements and culture. Avoid excessive swearing or over-sharing of personal information until you understand the level that is appropriate in the new place.

The important thing to begin with is to make them not regret hiring you. Don't rock the boat. It's fine to suggest improvements to processes but only once you understand them. Remember that just because something was done in a certain way at your old job it doesn't mean that's how it will be done at the new one.

Don't be surprised or (outwardly) disappointed if whoever is supposed to be onboarding you is ill-prepared and too busy to do it properly. Usually the role gets dumped on someone on top of their regular job.

In summary: keep your head down and get on with it. Oh, and remember that it's natural to be terrified and uncomfortable to begin with! The second day will be much easier than the first because it's more of a known quantity.