It can be challenging to start a new job remotely, but you can be off to a great start by preparing well and asking the right questions.
It might not be ideal to start a new job remotely, and there might even be extra challenges, but if you manage to handle this, you can handle anything. Maybe you are wondering whether it was a good idea to take a new job when the job market is filled with uncertainty.
But maybe it is not as uncertain as you might be thinking. There was a recent study done that showed that one in five organizations said that they wanted to recruit more workers during this crisis. It might not be unusual to change jobs during a pandemic.
You have taken control
When you accept the new role, you are taking control of your future. You have taken a step towards furthering your career. You have impressed your new employer to the point where they have picked you for the job. This is a sign of their commitment to you. It is normal to be a little nervous, but you also need to recognize your own achievement, and you are going to get started on your new job feeling positive and confident.
Preparing before your first day
You need to be proactive in the run-up to your first day. This is going to involve;
Researching your new company. You already know a lot about the company because you researched when preparing for the interview, but you should try to find more. Check out the social media accounts, websites, LinkedIn, news, industry associations, and Google.
Perfecting the working set-up in your home: Ensure that the computer, WiFi, and video conferencing connections are working well. You should have a quiet and comfortable place to work. If the work involves video conferencing, then you should always make sure the background is up to professional standards.
Taking advantage of free online learning to learn more skills because they are going to help in your new role.
Becoming familiar with the communication and collaboration tools used by your new company – such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Trello.
Your first week
There are employers who have a good remote onboarding process that provides you with all the tools and information you need. But you have to keep in mind that not all employers are like this (especially if remote working is something new to them). Don’t be afraid to ask any time you are in doubt. You most likely have a line manager who is going to help you when you have an issue. Some of the issues you need to ask include;
Equipment: What equipment are you are going to need when working from home? What is the employer going to provide, and what are you going to provide?
Policies and procedures: what do you need to know? It is important to have access to the usual practices and policies like health and safety, internet and email, codes of conduct, and inclusion policies
Training and development: Find out whether there is training needed. There are some employers who have digital training for their employees so they can know the company better or special issues concerning the industry.
People: Who do you need to know? Know the contact for IT problems or the people you are going to work with whether in your team or other departments.
Your line manager
It is important to know what you are supposed to be doing, you can easily do your job well. The line manager is going to be there helping you with this. It is a good idea to regularly communicate with your line manager. When you do this;
* You can understand what is expected from you every day
* You will know what you are working on and your schedule
* You can agree on achievable goals and time frames
* You can update the manager on the progress and challenges you might be facing. With regular chats, you have the chance of solving small issues before they become serious.
Establish yourself
Remote work can sometimes make people feel like they are out of touch and invisible, and this can be even harder for new employees. They are going to have a harder time establishing and making themselves known in the team. It will take initiative and courage, but you can manage to establish yourself. Start by chatting with the line manager, and if they think it is okay, then you should consider it. Read more about internships and how they can benefit your career in this article from ICON.
Sending an email to the team introducing yourself. Let them know you are looking forward to working with them and would love a direct chat. If you are nervous, then tell them you are interested in getting to know more about them. Give it a try, it won’t hurt.
Organizing one-to-one video chats with members. Check LinkedIn and learn more about them. You should go deeper than asking about their role. Ask them in-depth questions like what they like about working there, the challenges, and what they would like to change. You also have a chance of knowing their home’s through video chat – a child or a pet might be a great conversation starter.
Take part in any online social events.
Accept the buddy scheme offered.