The Ultimate Checklist for Starting a New Job

Landed a new job? Read our handy checklist for starting a new job so you can seamlessly adjust to your new role.

 

Congrats! You have successfully conducted a job search, landed a new role and handed in your resignation. Now’s the time to focus on getting off to a strong start in your new role. But where to begin? Luckily for you, Berkley’s expert consultants have put together a useful checklist for starting a new job. 

 

New Job Stats

 

• Up to 20% of employee turnover happens in the first 45 days. (SHRM)
• 63% of CFOs allow a new employee less than three months to show their value—and 9% give them less than a month. (Source: 2016 Robert Half study)
• It typically takes eight months for a newly hired employee to reach full productivity (Harvard Business Review).

 

 

Before You Start 

 

Before you start in your new role, reach out to your recruitment consultant or HR representative to obtain information about working hours and other key points (e.g. dress code, breaks, holidays etc.). You should then arrange to talk directly with your new line manager via phone or email to discuss what you will need to get started on the first day. It may also be helpful to request a copy of the employee handbook so you can review it in advance of starting. 

 

The Day Before Starting A New Job: Checklist

 

• Plan and prepare your outfit
• Brainstorm small-talk topics
• Plot out your commute 
• Set an alarm 
• Batch-cook healthy lunches for the week ahead
• Pack your bag
• Calm your nerves with a relaxing activity
• Turn in early and get a good night’s rest

 

Your First Day 

 

On the morning before your first day, set your alarm extra early so that you’re not stressed out and rushing around. Take your time getting ready and have a filling, nutritious breakfast that will set you up for the day.

 

During your commute, listen to something that will get you in the right mindset for the day ahead (perhaps a soothing meditation, a motivational podcast, or an empowering Spotify playlist). When you get to the office, take a mindful moment to breathe and gather yourself.

 

Remember the purpose of your first day is to get oriented with your new workplace. Listen carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It might even be a good idea to jot down notes and questions.

 

Be pleasant and courteous to everyone you talk to and make a point of smiling, making eye contact and getting their names. If you don’t remember someone’s name, ask sooner rather than later as it will only get more awkward the longer you wait. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your new colleagues. Ask your manager if it’s okay for you to send a company-wide email to let your team know who you are and what you do.

Your First Week

 

Your first week on the job is a good time to start experimenting with your commute. Test leaving the house at different times and try out new routes and transport methods until you find the best option for you. 

 

During the first week, it’s important to forge connections with your new teammates. In fact, a 2017 study found that 70% of employees identify workplace friendships as the most crucial factor for a satisfying working life. If you are working on-site, why not invite one or two of your new colleagues to a socially-distant lunch or coffee.

 

Starting a new job can be stressful, so pay special attention to self-care. In other words – sleep well, eat healthy, exercise, socialise with friends, and wind down with activities you enjoy.

 

It’s also a good idea to schedule a one-to-one meeting with your manager at some point during your first week. This will allow you to get to know your manager better and to gain a greater understanding of what is expected of you in your new role. Research from Microsoft has revealed that when new employees met with their manager during their first week, they benefited in three key ways: 

• They had a larger internal network, which boosted feelings of belonging and increased their chances of staying longer.
• They had more productive meetings.
• They spent more time collaborating with their team than those who failed to have the one-on-one.

 

Your First Month

 

One of the great things about starting a new job is that it provides a great opportunity to ditch old routines. Identify the new habits you would like to develop and use a productivity tool (e.g. calendar, to-do list, Trello etc.) to help integrate them into your new routine. However, don’t overstretch yourself. Create a realistic workflow that will be easy to maintain even when your workload picks up.

 

In the first month, it’s really important to invest time into getting to know your colleagues. Make a positive impression by treating others with respect, communicating clearly, having a positive attitude, showing appreciation and being receptive to constructive feedback.

 

Be accountable. As a newbie, mistakes are inevitable so make sure you own up to them. Taking responsibility for your mistakes shows honesty and integrity. 

 

Starting a New Job Remotely: A 10-Point Checklist

 

• Before your first day, perfect your home working set-up. Check that your workspace has everything you need to work productively and comfortably. If you are moving from one remote job to another, consider adding something new to your desk (e.g. a plant, a piece of art, a new lamp) to make it feel more like a new job.  

 

• On your first day, try to arrange a meeting with your manager so you can discover what is expected of you in the first few weeks and months of your new role. Work together to set goals and milestones to work towards. Schedule a check-in meeting with your manager after the first month to receive feedback on your progress. 

 

• Send a friendly email to your new co-workers to say hello. Be sure to share your contact details so they know how to reach you. 

 

• In your first few weeks, try to dedicate a good portion of time to pure networking. You can do this by leaving five minutes before each call just for small talk so you can get to know your colleagues better. For a more structured approach, consider scheduling one-on-one “coffee date” video calls with your colleagues to learn more about their work and to pick their brains on how to be successful in the company. Another great way to get to know your colleagues is to take part in online social events (e.g. quiz nights, fitness classes etc.).

 

• If possible, try to get a virtual office “buddy” i.e. someone to help you get settled into your new role by answering your questions. If you haven’t been assigned a buddy by your new manager, then take the initiative and ask them if they would be open to the idea.

 

• In the first few weeks at your new job, work hard on being visible to management and co-workers. Over-communicate about your projects so people who can’t see you know that you’re actually working. 

 

• Without the benefit of face-to-face contact, breakdowns in communication are more likely to happen. Pay attention to peoples’ communication styles and keep a careful eye out for misinterpretations. Should communication issues arise, offer to arrange a video call to straighten out the situation and to figure out how you can avoid similar misunderstandings in the future.

 

• From day one, strive towards clear work-life boundaries. Set a routine and try your best not to work outside of work hours. By setting boundaries early on in your new job, it will be easier to uphold a healthy work-life balance.

 

• If you are new to working from home, try to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine. Keep water by your desk, never skip lunch, go for walks and take frequent breaks.

 

• Working remotely can feel isolating, so make sure to fit in plenty of socialising outside of work. Make a point of arranging at least one Rendez-Vous during the week with a friend.

 

Looking for a New Job?

If you are interested in making a career change but don’t know where to start, why not reach out to Berkley’s expert consultants? We have dedicated teams across three key verticals – Life Science & Engineering, Business & Technology, and Procurement & Supply Chain – who can advise you on how to grow your career. Get in contact with us to arrange a free 15-minute consultation with one of our team members today.