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Starting in a new job remotely? A few bits of advice.
Starting a new role is an exciting, odd and disquieting experience when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic. It’s even odder right now. There are some things I’ve seen help new starters feel better from day 1.
Starting a new role is an exciting, odd and disquieting experience when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic. It’s even odder right now. There are some things I’ve seen help new starters feel better from day 1.
Call your new colleagues for small stuff + just to chat. Do it often. Use a small query as an excuse if it makes you feel better. People I see struggle to integrate are those who wait for a ‘business reason’ to call, so miss out on the little interactions that forge relationships
Don’t over deliver. Do just enough. Fundraising/ comms are are never-ending. There’s always more that can be done. This makes it exciting, but means that you have to be disciplined enough to say ‘I’ve done what I can today and there’s another day tomorrow.’
It’s easy to end up over-delivering in the 1st weeks of any role, but even more so when you can dip in at any time. Once you’ve settled in + try to move to a normal level of output it’s easy to worry that people think you’ve taken your foot off the gas. (Even if noone’s noticed!)
Make time to keep abreast of the incredible work the organisation are doing. You need this info to do your job well, but also to regularly remind yourself that you’re now an active part of making that difference happen.
If there’s not much of an induction in place, create your own. Work out what you need to know, what you’d like to know and who you need to get to know, then reach out to them. (But clear it with your manager first)
Realise that it's normal to feel out of place and a bit removed. Everyone has been experiencing that recently, even if they’ve been in their role for years. As a newbie, no one expects you to know everyone or everything so don’t put that expectation on yourself.
Finally, congratulate yourself for finding a new role. Keep notes of the things that made your first weeks easier and perhaps pass on that knowledge to the next new starter to make it easier for them.
