If you thought that finding a new position is a daunting task, you were probably right. It takes work to find work, but luckily all your efforts and dedication has resulted in an offer of employment. You have survived your resignation month and now the weekend is here with the first day of the new job looming……a light at the end of the tunnel or an oncoming train? Whether you are a rookie, just starting out your career or a seasoned professional with a few ‘’first days” under your belt, feeling anxious or nervous is quite normal.
Time Minus 2 to 3 Days: Admin & Logistics
Contact your Recruitment Agent or the HR Consultant who facilitated your application process and make 100% sure of your required arrival time on the first day. You may find that you would be asked to come in a little later than usual business hours to give everyone involved your hiring process a chance to settle in (and have caffeine), before your arrival.
Request the contact name of the person who will be meeting you at reception and perhaps clarify the dress code one more time; you do not want to pitch up on the company’s casual day of the week dressed Armani style when everyone else is wearing jeans and t-shirts.
Clarify the onboarding process activities with the Recruiter or HR Consultant to ascertain if there is preparation from your side to be done, prior to your first day.
Your induction or onboarding period may involve certain meetings with an in-house Financial Consultant or Remuneration Specialist for the final structuring of your package and the selection of option plans regarding medical aid and pension or provident fund contribution offerings. Make copies of all the necessary documentation beforehand like ID, Tax Certificates, Academic Qualification, Marriage Certificates and Bank Details.
If you need a haircut, get one but please ladies no makeover regimes which include self-tans, facials and drastic hair changes with any probability to go pear-shaped at the last minute.
Go to bed early, as you will probably toss and turn a bit the night before Day 1.
Time Minus 1 Day: Moving into Third Gear
Pick out your outfit with the aim to blend in professionally and rather not dress to impress. You will be the focus of attention in any case, no need to stand out more than you have to on day one with a cerise pink top, screaming: “I am new.”
Set your alarm (more than one preferably) and even though you have been to the premises a few times for interviews and assessments, get a few alternate routes to follow on Google Maps in case of taxi strikes, highway protests or gridlocked traffic (remember Murphy, he is not your friend)
Charge your smart devices and clean them properly. You will possibly be part of a few induction meetings during your first week, and no-one wants to look at a laptop or tablet where dust and dirt formed permanent screenshots.
If you cannot fall asleep, do not fret too much. Read, watch a movie, listen to music or any other activity that will distract your mind from Day 1.
Time: Houston we have lift off!
The most important activity for today is to arrive on time, no matter what. If that means leaving 40 minutes before the Google Maps estimation, then so be it. Rather hang around in your car doing breathing exercises to make up the time, than arrive late on your first day.
With most organisations, your first few days may involve a mandatory, formal induction period, where you will receive information and orientation regarding company policies and procedures, general employee conduct, parking arrangements, building access and possibly have an introductory meeting with your manager and the rest of the team members.
If no formal induction is on the cards and you are uncertain of the acceptable office conduct, it is advisable to proverbially “ask for permission rather than forgiveness”, regarding any issues that you are unsure of or actions to be taken on your part. Make a friend or two that can give you simple advice relating to the informal office dynamics, directions to the canteen and the “who’s who in the zoo”. The receptionist, manager’s PA or tea lady are good contacts to have by your side.
Time plus 7 Days: The Law of the Land
The formal induction period should be drawing to a close at this stage, and if you have been actively participating, you will feel more at ease walking through those doors now.
Ascertaining company culture or office dynamics is a process that may take a few weeks, so be an avid observer of those around you. Flying under the radar in terms of social interactions is more sensible than trying to be the office clown at this stage.
Become acquainted with the office dynamics by engaging in conversation (not interrogation), with your team members and other employees you meet in the lift or on the way to the parking lot. Memorising people’s names is the quickest way to become part of the new tribe so pay attention when you get introduced to others.
If you are invited to join the team for lunch or drinks after hours, accept gracefully even if this means changing your personal schedule around a bit to attend. (You can miss that gym session and maybe a friend can pick up the kids from school this one time.) The purpose of KYC (Know Your Colleagues) activities is to engage, converse and discover, not to entertain, irritate and annoy.
Now is an excellent time to schedule a meeting with your manager to clarify expectations for the next 60 days, projects you need to become involved in, meetings to attend, timelines regarding work assigned to you and preferred channels of communication you should be following regarding progress reports.
Time plus 15 to 30 Days: Adapt or Die
About two weeks to a month into a new position your comfort level should be on the rise, and you should not be feeling like a “fish out of water” anymore. By now you have probably made a few friends, got the hang of systems and have a decent grasp of the office dynamics and reporting structures.
During this period, your actual job function usually commences with all the added responsibilities or new functionalities you signed up for when deciding to join the organisation. Adaptation is critical, you are in a new environment, and specific expectations have been formed already, relating to your competencies and ability to deliver results.
Focus on establishing trust with your peers, subordinates and management and do everything in your power to meet expectations, deadlines and deliver within project time frames even if that entails a few late nights or weekend hours initially until your efforts reach economies of scale.
If you are sensing increased pressure, you are in a good place. No position is just moonshine and roses; even a dream opportunity has a few monsters under the bed. Alleviate this pressure by asking questions, opening feedback channels with your superiors and be prepared to receive criticism in a positive manner and to take immediate corrective action.
Time plus 60 to 120 Days: Final Words of Advice
Do not be tempted to jump ship when doubts start creeping into your mind. Questioning your decision to move is entirely reasonable, but try and divert yourself from these thoughts by any means possible, whether it is starting a new hobby or getting more involved in informal activities at the office.
Celebrate at least one positive outcome whether minor or significant, on a daily basis.
Realistically a “settling in” period could take up to six months, before one may finally experience a sense of familiarity, content and enjoyment in a new position.
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