Even if it’s to do a similar job, in a similar industry, for better pay and more benefits, joining a new company is always strange and for most of us, a bit daunting.
The number of times you join a new company throughout your working life entirely depends on your career and personal circumstances. But, if it’s something you haven’t done in a long time or ever before, there are common things you may feel and experience.
NERVES ARE NORMAL
The period between accepting a new job and starting a new job can introduce conflicting emotions. Delight and pride can quickly become uncertainty even though you’ve secured the job you wanted and worked hard for.
It is a completely normal reaction to the prospect of change. And it is a big change. Especially if it’s your first job, a different type of job or you’ve been with the same company for a while.
ACCEPTING THE UNCERTAIN
Even with your company research and interview experience, you’ll never truly know how you feel about working somewhere until you do it. So, although it’s easier said than done, there is no point worrying about it.
You applied, interviewed and accepted for a reason. So don’t be cruel to yourself and start questioning your actions. Keep your thoughts positive and those doubts will soon turn back to excitement!
MAKING AN IMPRESSION
You’ve already made a good impression at your interview, so continue to do so when meeting the rest of your new colleagues. The morale of every team is different, so take some time to understand the people you’ll be working with and around.
Your new colleagues have all experienced a first day before. They understand it’s unnerving, so don’t worry if you’re feeling shy or quiet. Being overconfident and boisterous is a certain way to make a bad impression.
Just focus on being professional and respectful – no one will judge you for this.
LEMON SYNDROME
Even for new starters, who have worked in a similar job or industry before, there is always a lot to learn when joining a new company.
Your first week, or sometimes month, can be full of endless inductions and training, rather than doing the typical duties your role requires. While your new co-workers carry on with business as usual, new starters can sometimes feel a bit useless or a “bit of a lemon”.
It really is temporary. You’re taking in a lot more information than you realise, and your manager and colleagues know this. So don’t be frustrated by making a few mistakes or taking baby steps.
ASKING QUESTIONS
This can be something new starters really struggle with. People want to appear experienced and are concerned that asking too many questions will make them appear the opposite.
Any decent employer or colleague will encourage you to ask as many questions as you need. Every company has a different way of doing things, so you won’t be expected to know everything.
And sometimes it may be a silly question! That’s okay too. You’re being overwhelmed with information, and while you’re settling in, it’s always best to check if you’re unsure.
ADAPTING & COMPROMISING
Although your job and duties may be the same, at a new company you may be expected to work in a different way.
This may include matters like your time management and schedule, work and performance reviews or IT procedures. Going back to MAKING AN IMPRESSION, it is important to be respectful of how your new company runs things, even if it’s different from what you’re used to. AND even if you think your way is better!
Once you’ve proven to be a hard and reliable worker, you can start to suggest new innovations and share your preferences on how you work best.
GIVING IT TIME
Of course, not every new starter wants to join a different company. Reasons for having to leave a company you enjoyed working for may include reasons like; redundancy, a temporary contract, relocation, a reduction in hours or family commitments.
This is a really difficult thing to experience and makes this transition even harder. In addition to feeling some or all of the above, you deeply miss your old company.
In this case, focus on the positives. Embrace the change and the opportunity to learn new things, meet new people and develop. The first few weeks at a new company are disorientating.
Before you know it, you’ll be settled in a routine, remembering everyone’s name and helping the next “new person”!