Starting a new role is often a time that people remember as a high point in their career. At the same time however it can also be quite challenging and daunting.

Robert Walters provides you with some key advice you need to help you prepare for the move to a new job and make the transition smoothly.

Prepare 

Preparation is key. Make sure you take all necessary precautions with your recruitment consultant when preparing for your first day. Although this may sound particularly obvious, it can relieve a lot of unnecessary stress if things go wrong on the day. This includes preplanning your travel time, where to report to and if you need to bring anything with you. First impressions can often last, so make sure you arrive prepared, composed and ready to start the day.

Although this is a challenging time, remember to focus on the positives. Embrace everything that comes your way, making the most of new relationships and trying to make the best impression possible.

Expect the unexpected

Even veteran professionals will admit that the first few weeks on the job can be the most challenging. Always remember that any new job will not be exactly as you imagine and often what you prepare for is very different to what you actually experience. For instance, you may find that much of what was common place in your previous job may not be present in your new role.

This can include simple things such as the location of files, stationary, processes in place and the people who manage particular elements of the office environment. Make sure to stay alert and ready to adjust to these so that you can make the smoothest transition possible, noting things down if need be. 

Similarly, you will more than likely find distinct differences in the way things are done. Examples may be a preference for email over phone calls? What are people’s pet hates? Do you speak with assistants or the manager you are after? Taking note of the simple things will relieve much of the stress and confusion that can accumulate over the first few weeks. 

Embrace new experiences  

The first few weeks on the job should be a time to be embraced. Take this opportunity to take in everything that is going on around you, making particular reference to how things are done and to understand best practice in the office. Make sure to keep a notebook handy so that you can take note of important bits of information you may forget at a later date. This can be particularly helpful with colleagues names. 

Enjoy your new career challenge 

Although this is a challenging time, remember to focus on the positives. Embrace everything that comes your way, making the most of new relationships and trying to make the best impression possible.